Labor & Employment

Illinois Labor Department Recovers $2.7M in Wages and Enforces Worker Protections

The Illinois Department of Labor recovered approximately $2.7 million in unpaid wages and enforced various worker protection laws in 2025. Key actions included settlements with GrapeTree Medical Staffing and solar companies, enforcement of the Paid Leave for All Workers Act, and ensuring compliance with minimum wage and prevailing wage laws.

Illinois VESSA Amendment Protects Workers Documenting Violence on Work Devices

The Illinois Department of Labor has issued a reminder about Public Act 104-0171, an amendment to the Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA). This new law protects employees who use employer-provided devices to document violence affecting themselves or their families, prohibiting employer discipline or retaliation for such use. The amendment took effect on January 1, 2026.

IDOL Files Wage Theft Complaint Against Chicago Restaurant

The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) has filed a wage theft complaint against That’s Gino and Marty’s restaurant and its owners in Cook County Circuit Court. The complaint alleges violations of the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act and the Illinois Minimum Wage Law, seeking over $20,000 in unpaid wages for at least nine employees.

Freeport Public Works Achieves SHARP Safety Designation

The Illinois Department of Labor announced the City of Freeport Public Works Department has achieved Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) status. This designation recognizes employers with exemplary injury and illness prevention programs and exempts them from programmed OSHA inspections.

Colorado Workforce Development Council Welcomes New Members and Chair

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment announced eight new appointments and three reappointments to the Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC). Jonathan Liebert was welcomed as the new chair. The CWDC advises and oversees the state's talent development network.

Colorado Employment Situation - November 2025

Colorado's nonfarm payroll jobs increased by 2,700 in November 2025, bringing the total to 3,000,300. The unemployment rate decreased to 3.9 percent. The report also noted a year-over-year job increase of 24,600 and higher average hourly earnings compared to the national average.

Colorado Employment Situation - December 2025

Colorado's nonfarm payroll jobs increased by 1,200 in December 2025, bringing the total to 3,000,100. The unemployment rate decreased to 3.8%. The report also noted a year-over-year job increase of 23,000.

Colorado Just Transition Program Supports Coal Community Entrepreneurs

The Colorado Office of Just Transition (OJT) has partnered with Startup Colorado to launch a Business Startup and Expansion Assistance Program. This initiative aims to support entrepreneurs, particularly former coal industry workers, in coal transition communities by offering resources, mentorship, and potential funding.

Colorado Partners to Expand Quantum Careers and Hiring Support

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) and Elevate Quantum have partnered to expand access to quantum-related careers and enhance hiring support for quantum industry employers in Colorado. This initiative will leverage the Connecting Colorado system for skills-based job matching and talent connection.

Washington State Fines Roofing Companies $1.4 Million for Fall Violations

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has issued $1.4 million in fines to five construction companies for serious fall protection violations over the last four months. Falls from heights remain the most cited serious workplace safety violation in the state.