Subject Index Employment Law

The appellate process in section 11 of the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act is amended to reflect that the filing of an appeal to the Appellate Court does not automatically stay the enforcement of the Board's order.

A court may allow a claim for punitive damages in a negligent employment case if evidence reasonably supports a finding that the employer acted willfully, or with a certain level of gross negligence as to indicate a wanton disregard for the rights of others.

The Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) adopted amendments to "The Administration and Operation of the Teachers' Retirement System." Additions to the disability benefits and disability retirement annuity sections clarify how contributions to retirement plans affect employment income calculations.

The Illinois Wage Assignment Act was amended to impose additional requirements on wage assignment notice and service.

The Employee Sick Leave Act now allows employees to use personal sick leave benefits provided by their employer for absences relating to family members.

The Child Bereavement Leave Act provides for unpaid leave for certain employees who lose a child.

The Department of Central Management Services ("DCMS") adopted amendments to section 310.210 of the pay plan for public officials and employees to reflect collective bargaining agreements signed between DCMS and 13 trade unions.

The Equal Pay Act of 2003 has been amended to apply to all employers, not just those with four or more employees.

The Department of Labor, in accordance with legislative amendments to the Employee Classification Act, revised the regulations governing Employee Classifications to expand the definition of an "individual performing services."

Employers may not condition employment or employment benefits on an employee's decision to receive wages on a payroll card.

Under the recently amended Illinois Public Labor Relations Act, employers have no affirmative duty to bargain with employees for matters regarding changes, impact of changes, and implementation of changes made to Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the Illinois Pension Code.