State Labor Dept. busy enforcing labor laws, report shows

Every Labor Day, the Illinois Department of Labor issues an annual report summarizing the agency’s work – and the labor situation the data reflects.

On Sept. 3, the IDOL included dozens of actions, including administering the new Child Labor law and Equal Pay Act on Salary Transparency,  the never-ending protection of the Prevailing Wage Act, and working to ensure workers receive the overtime pay and paid leave to which they’re entitled.

“Last year, IDOL received nearly 9,000 complaints of violations of Illinois wage and hour laws and collected millions of dollars in back wages and penalties for workers,” said IDOL Director Jane Flanagan.

“At a time when federal labor enforcement has diminished and workers’ rights face new threats, this work has never been more vital,” she added.

Indeed, between Executive Orders from the White House and GOP majorities in both houses of Congress, cuts and layoffs to federal labor and safety programs, and a non-working National Labor Relations Board threaten working people and unions. Fortunately, Illinois state lawmakers help Gov. Pritzker ensure Illinois’ labor laws remain robust – and enforced.

Further, Illinois Congressional delegation supports organized labor, according to the AFL-CIO, whose most recent tally of Illinois’ federal lawmakers show a solid block on 10 key issues the labor federation advocated.

U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth earned 100% scores, and 13 of the 14 Democratic House Representatives also scored a 100%. Mike Quigley, from the 5^th District, received an 89%.

Of the 10 issues important to workers that the AFL-CIO tracked, 9 were opposed but passed with Republican votes, such as Illinois’ three GOP Reps. Darin LaHood, Mary Miller and Mike Bost – each of whom score a 0%.

In Springfield, Flanagan said she remained thankful and hopeful.

“I am filled with appreciation for Illinois’ working people and our many public, private, community, union and nonprofit partners whose feedback, input and collaboration make our work possible,” she said. “In Illinois we’re focused on not just enforcing existing workplace rights; we are also on the forefront of advancing them.”