SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV)— For Labor Day, the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) released highlights on the progress made over the last year for Illinois laborers.
These highlights were made by the contributions of workers across Illinois, and the Illinois Department of Labor stated they wanted to honor the efforts made to uphold workers’ rights, economic security, and safety.
“On Labor Day, IDOL reaffirms its commitment to workers across Illinois,” said IDOL Director Jane Flanagan. “From enforcing the minimum wage law and safeguarding children from dangerous work, to ensuring fair pay and promoting safe workplaces, our mission is clear: to protect and advance the rights of every worker in this state.”
The Labor Day Report starts by listing that the IDOL recovered nearly $3,000,000 in back wage payments and almost $5,000,000 in penalties from employers violating labor laws. Illinois’ minimum wage was also raised to $15 an hour at the start of 2025, along with new protections for workers’ rights to see and access their pay stubs.
The IDOL, along with the attorney general’s office, also reached a new landmark child labor settlement this year that addressed serious labor violations and resulted in a $4.5 million agreement to compensate impacted workers and strengthen compliance. The IDOL also began enforcing the Pay Transparency Act, requiring mid and large employers to include information about anticipated compensation and benefits in job postings.
Lastly, IDOL wanted to highlight its newly launched Informal Resolution and Mediation Unit and the fact that it has resolved over 460 wage claims for individuals who are owed small amounts of back wages. IDOL has also partnered with employers and unions on training and safety initiatives. A major construction safety partnership and new firefighter safety resources are two such examples.
To see the 2025 Labor Day report in its entirety, you can click here.
