Labor & Employment Law Update

In the Spring of 2025, the Illinois Department of Labor filed a lawsuit against a union contractor alleging violations of the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act. The Department’s lawsuit alleged that work performed by the contractor on the Projects fell within the prevailing wage classification of Electrician, as opposed to the classification of Carpenter.

On December 18, 2025, the Department determined and agreed that the work the contractor performed on the Projects could properly be classified under the Carpenter classification. As the solar energy industry continues to evolve in Illinois, industry contractors (union and non-union) must become intimately familiar with the IPWA and the ever-changing legal landscape that comes with performing solar panel installation work on prevailing wage projects.

Illinois recently enacted amendments to the Illinois Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act (“IRPWA”).  The amendments became effective on December 12, 2025, immediately upon the governor’s signature.

On December 18, 2025, the U.S. Senate approved President Trump’s nominees, James Murphy and Scott Mayer, to serve as members on the National Labor Relations Board (Board). With the additions of Murphy and Mayer, the Board regains a quorum and can now officially act and adjudicate unfair labor practice charges and representational cases under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). 

As OSHA inspections continue to take place throughout the U.S., employers across industries need to be prepared to respond. An inspector’s arrival onsite can be disruptive and stressful, particularly if supervisors and frontline staff are unsure of what to do or say in the moment. The steps outlined below are designed to help employers navigate an OSHA inspection from the moment an inspector arrives, underscoring the importance of preparation as a key component of an effective workplace compliance strategy.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and workers' compensation come with complex obligations for employers and HR professionals. Join Heather Bailey for an informative webcast on understanding the requirements and interactions of FMLA, ADA, and workers' compensation in the U.S. workplace.

W-2s and 1099s will not have new fields this year, but the IRS has now provided guidance on how employees can still claim tax deductions for tips and overtime pay.

A strong workers’ compensation defense strategy begins long before a claim is filed. After all, an unexpected claim can costly regardless of industry. Strategic and proactive measures to prevent accidents coupled with an understanding of how to manage the claims that do arise are indispensable tools for businesses.

In a recent webcast, two of our workers’ compensation attorneys shared their insights and best practices to help employers confidently manage claims and achieve favorable outcomes. Here are three key takeaways from their presentation. 

Several changes impacting employers in jurisdictions across the nation on the federal and state level are summarized in our latest federal and state employment law update.

Register today to join Labor & Employment partners Craig Papka and Sara Zorich for a timely Breakfast Briefing presentation on navigating employee wage and hour requirements and investigations.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency charged with the administration of federal workplace laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, recently regained a voting quorum. As a result, the agency can now enact sweeping policy changes in line with President Trump’s second term agenda. Employers can expect increased scrutiny of DEI practices and an increase in charges surrounding religious accommodations.