Statement from Illinois Department of Labor Director on Labor Day

“Under the leadership of Governor Pat Quinn, the Illinois Department of Labor provides some of the strongest protections in the country for Illinois workers.

“The Department has recovered more than $3.5 million dollars to date in unpaid and underpaid wages on behalf of workers through its enforcement efforts.

“The Department works to ensure that workers receive the minimum wage, prevailing wages on Illinois public works projects, earned overtime and equal pay for equal work.  We protect workers in the construction industry who are improperly classified as independent contractors so that they can receive wages and benefits they are entitled to by law.  We also work to ensure safe and healthy work places for public sector workers.  Each day the Illinois Department of Labor is working hard to uphold basic worker rights.

“The Department is committed to the workers of Illinois and their families and will continue to reinforce its critical role in protecting the rights, safety and economic well-being of Illinois workers.

Additional Information:
The Department recommends two new phone applications (“apps”) created by USDOL for workers. One “app” allows workers and supervisors to calculate the heat index at a worksite and determine the risk to outdoor workers.  Another “app” allows users to record the hours they have worked and calculate the amount they may be owed by their employer.

 

OSHA Heat Index Safety Toolhttp://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/heat_index/heat_app.html
DOL-Timesheet app
http://apps.usa.gov/dol-timesheet.shtml
More information is available at http://www.state.il.us/agency/idol/