You may have heard about Illinois Senate Bill 75, the Illinois Workplace Transparency Act, Illinois SB75 or a number of other terms referencing a new Illinois sexual harassment law. Governor J.B. Pritzker recently signed this bill into law, mandating annual sexual harassment training for businesses.
Here are four must-know details about the law and how it’ll impact you in 2020 and beyond:
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Took Effect January 1, 2020
As of 2020, all employers in Illinois are required to train their employees. The new Illinois workplace harassment laws require annual training, which must cover the following:
- What is sexual harassment?
- What is unlawful sexual harassment?
- What are the federal and state statutory provisions (including the remedies available to the victims of sexual harassment)?
- What are the responsibilities of the employers for prevention, investigation, and corrective measures of sexual harassment?
If employers don’t comply with the Illinois workplace bullying law, they will encounter penalties, including fines of up $1,000.
2. Mandates Leave of Absence for Victims
SB 75 Illinois aims to help those who are victims of gender-related violence to seek help as needed. This could apply to victims of domestic, sexual or gender violence and even workplace harassment to take unpaid leave to seek medical assistance, legal, help, safety planning, counseling or any other required assistance. If you ever have need to take time off work for this reason, know that you can do so under this law for your own health and well-being.
3. Prevents Unions from Representing Both Victim and Alleged Harasser
The Illinois harassment training law also looks out for how those involved in workplace harassment cases are represented. It prevents the victim and alleged harasser from being represented by the same body to prevent a conflict of interest.
4. Extends Harassment Protection to Contractors
Previously, the Illinois Human Rights Act only covered employees from harassment and discrimination. Now, under Illinois senate bill 75, independent contractors and consultants will also be protected from sexual harassment in the workplace. Regardless of the level of involvement in the workplace, Illinois sexual harassment law everyone deserves to have the same security against unwanted interactions.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it! Four must-knows about the Illinois harassment laws
that will impact your workplace in 2020 and beyond. Training is essential, so be sure to get sexual harassment prevention training now!