Chicago, IL: New Amendments Expand Paid Sick Leave to More Employees

Illinois has had a statewide paid sick leave ordinance in place since July 1, 2017, which has since been amended multiple times.  The Chicago City Council recently approved Substitute Ordinance 2020-2343, which contains anti-retaliation provisions related to COVID-19 and also revises amendments previously enacted in December 2019.  The Substitute Ordinance broadens the applicability of Chicago’s paid sick leave provisions to more classes of employees, thereby expanding employer responsibilities.

Under the original ordinance and the December 2019 amendments, certain types of employees were not covered by the paid sick leave ordinance.  This includes:

1. Outside salespeople;
2. Members of a religious corporation or organization;
3. Students attending or employed by an accredited Illinois college or university; and
4. Motor carriers regulated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation or the State of Illinois.

Substitute Ordinance 2020-2343 now covers these employees under the paid sick leave ordinance, meaning they must be provided applicable paid sick leave and given notice of their rights alongside the first paycheck subject to the paid sick leave ordinance.

Action Items