Recently, the Chicago Meat Authority, a Chicago meat processing plant, made the news, but not in a way that had anything to do with meat processing. The company settled a lawsuit against it for $1.1 million. The lawsuit was filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in February 2018 alleging that the Meat…
Read MoreThe fair workweek ordinance helps employees to find stability in regular and predictable work schedules. When work schedules are not predictable the employee is compensated. These four facts help to illustrate the power of the Fair Workweek Ordinance in Chicago, IL. 1. Not every employee is covered by the Fair Workweek Ordinance You will need…
Read MoreMost people realize that it is illegal for an employer to discriminate against you because of your actual disability. However, employees may not realize that it is also unlawful to discriminate because an employer thinks you have a disability, even if you do not have what the law might consider being a disability. This type…
Read MoreTo have an employment discrimination claim, you must show that the illegal discrimination you are claiming led to an “adverse employment action.” This very specific language can be found in both federal and state law. It is also very commonly found in case law that addresses employment discrimination claims. But, what does it actually mean?…
Read MoreThere are a lot of reasons that someone could lose their job. Perhaps the company was downsizing, or you got in a fight with your boss, or because your boss feels your performance was not sufficient, even if you disagree with his assessment. In general, most reasons for termination are not illegal, even if you…
Read MoreContrary to popular belief, actions taken against you that may feel are unfair or wrongful may not be illegal. Actions that are based on illegal employment discrimination may be illegal under employment discrimination laws if two things happen: The person being discriminated against is being treated that way because they are in a “protected class”;…
Read MoreWrongful termination occurs when an employer fires you for an unlawful reason. Wrongful termination cases often occur because of illegal discrimination or illegal retaliation. This is different from a situation where you might disagree with the employer’s reasons for the termination, and there is no evidence of discrimination or retaliation. In those cases where the…
Read MoreFederal and state laws prohibit employers from taking “adverse employment action” against someone for being a member of a protected class. Protected classes are those who are considered “minorities.” Your age, sex, religion, race, creed, or skin color might put you in a protected class. Anti-discrimination laws do not protect employees from petty insults or…
Read MoreUnemployment benefits are designed to provide wage assistance to workers in Chicago who have become unemployed through no fault of their own. That means that if you were fired for cause, you might not qualify for unemployment benefits. You also need to meet specific requirements and apply to get benefits. Eligibility Requirements for Illinois Unemployment…
Read MoreThere are a lot of reasons that someone could lose their job. Perhaps the company was downsizing, or you got in a fight with your boss. In general, most reasons given by the employer for termination do not create a wrongful termination, even if you do not agree with the decision, or the reasons or…
Read More