The Illinois will increase its minimum wage from $7.75 per hour to $8.00 per hour on July 1, 2009. This new rate puts Illinois in the fourth state for highest minimum wage, with California, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
Washington’s minimum wage, $8.55 per hour is the nation’s highest minimum wage. The second highest minimum wage appears in Oregon, $8.40 per hour. In Vermont, the minimum wage is $8.06 per hour. All the three states have annual cost-of-living increases. Illinois doesn’t have t this increase.
Minimum wage increases come on July 1of this year in Illinois, while the federal rate increases to $7.25 per hour this year. In 2010, the Illinois rate goes up another 25 cents an hour, to $8.25 per hour.
The Illinois Department of Labor has estimated that about 650,000 workers will benefit from the increase in the minimum wage.
Illinois’ minimum wage increases have garnered the praise of Beatrice Jackson, President of ACORN (the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now). “For thousands of working families who live on the brink of poverty, the increase in Illinois’ minimum wage will help workers afford basic necessities that so many of us take for granted, like food, clothing, housing and education,” she said.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
New Illinois Sexual Harassment Law
A new ruling about sexual harassment was released by the Illinois Supreme Court that an employer is responsible for sexual harassment by an employee who happens to be a supervisor. This ruling makes Illinois employers train supervisors and managers to prevent sexual harassment and a hostile work environment.
In Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department v. Illinois Human Rights Commission, the judge ruled on April 16, 2009 that the employer was strictly liable for any manager’s or supervisor’s actions.
In a 4-2 ruling, the Illinois Supreme Court upheld the lower court’s ruling that the sheriff’s department could be held strictly liable in such circumstances.
According to the Illinois Supreme Court, “The issue in this case is whether an employer is strictly liable under [the IHRA] for the ‘hostile environment’ sexual harassment of its supervisory employees, where the supervisor has no authority to affect the terms and conditions of the complainant’s employment. The answer is yes.” The court added that the employer is reasonable for the harassment by the supervisor.
In Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department v. Illinois Human Rights Commission, the judge ruled on April 16, 2009 that the employer was strictly liable for any manager’s or supervisor’s actions.
In a 4-2 ruling, the Illinois Supreme Court upheld the lower court’s ruling that the sheriff’s department could be held strictly liable in such circumstances.
According to the Illinois Supreme Court, “The issue in this case is whether an employer is strictly liable under [the IHRA] for the ‘hostile environment’ sexual harassment of its supervisory employees, where the supervisor has no authority to affect the terms and conditions of the complainant’s employment. The answer is yes.” The court added that the employer is reasonable for the harassment by the supervisor.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Retail Worker Safety
Retail workers sell various kinds of products in stores. From super market to grocery stores as well as specialty shops, safety is a very important aspect during the business process.
A usual hazard for retail workers is injury owing to slips, trips, and falls. So, it is necessary to wear comfortable and safe footwear with non-slip soles. Maintain good housekeeping around the worksite so as to avoid tripping hazards. Clean up the piled debris timely to avoid falling down.
Use good lifting techniques when you hand and lift materials, such as keeping a straight back and using leg muscles to power the lift. Arrange your work for your work day to avoid repetitive motion injuries. Change your working, standing, and seated positions throughout the day. It’s better not to stay in the same position all day long.
As a retail worker, pay attention to workplace viomence hazards. Make preparation of handling violence if it occurs. If you work alone, be aware of keeping the back doors secure. Retail workers can often change jobs. Get the training for the work assignment and the tools you use. Wear porper clothing while doing the work and learn about the first aid so as to help yourself, coworkers, and the public once the accident occurs.
A usual hazard for retail workers is injury owing to slips, trips, and falls. So, it is necessary to wear comfortable and safe footwear with non-slip soles. Maintain good housekeeping around the worksite so as to avoid tripping hazards. Clean up the piled debris timely to avoid falling down.
Use good lifting techniques when you hand and lift materials, such as keeping a straight back and using leg muscles to power the lift. Arrange your work for your work day to avoid repetitive motion injuries. Change your working, standing, and seated positions throughout the day. It’s better not to stay in the same position all day long.
As a retail worker, pay attention to workplace viomence hazards. Make preparation of handling violence if it occurs. If you work alone, be aware of keeping the back doors secure. Retail workers can often change jobs. Get the training for the work assignment and the tools you use. Wear porper clothing while doing the work and learn about the first aid so as to help yourself, coworkers, and the public once the accident occurs.
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