Castro continues protecting Illinois workers from retaliation

SPRINGFIELD - During the early January legislative session, State Senator Cristina Castro continued her work standing up on behalf of workers and passing a measure to prohibit retaliation against employees who exercise their rights in the workplace.

"No one deserves to have their livelihood taken away because they attempted to exercise their rights in the workplace," said Castro (D-Elgin). "These changes will enhance enforcement of our labor laws, safeguarding workers' rights to break and rest periods in a reasonable working environment."

The One Day Rest in Seven Act guarantees Illinois employees at least one full day of rest for every seven consecutive work days. Castro's initiative would bolster the existing law by adding anti-retaliation provisions, prohibiting employers from firing, taking adverse action against, or discriminating against workers who exercise their rights under the law, such as filing a complaint with the Illinois Department of Labor. Further, the measure would give the attorney general the ability to enforce the One Day Rest in Seven Act and obtain relief for workers whose employers violate the law's provisions.

Senate Bill 3180 passed the Illinois House and Senate and will go to the governor for final consideration.