In a unanimous decision, the Cook County Board has given the nod to a new ordinance that extends paid leave for workers, coming in just shy of the New Year. The policy, outlined in a Chicago Tribune report, not only mirrors but also slightly expands on the upcoming state law taking effect on January 1.
Under the new mandate, most employers will have to offer up to 40 hours of paid leave annually. This Cook County rule will encapsulate all workers except for those particularly exempted categories, such as state and federal employees, college students working for their institution, and short-term university workers. Unlike the state legislation, the county ordinance also gives employees the power to drag their employers to court over any infractions. "It represents a significant shift," Toni Preckwinkle's office said, remarking on the move from the current earned sick leave to a more flexible paid leave approach that can be used for any reason.
On a parallel front, the Chicago City Council has hit the brakes on a separate paid time off law, voting to push its start from Dec. 31 to July 1 next year. According to a piece by WTTW News, the law, once in effect, will ensure Chicago workers are entitled to a mix of five sick days and five days of paid time off annually.
The ordinance has been a key piece of Mayor Brandon Johnson's labor agenda, aimed particularly at lifting Chicago's Black and Latino communities; as he put it, "It is going to help us grow into a more prosperous and thriving city." However, businesses have shown concern, warning that these policies may pile on to the struggles they're already facing. Despite the delay, the changes represent a milestone victory for Johnson and his supporting labor organizations.
As the new year approaches, it looks like workers in Cook County might have something extra to toast to, as these changes signify a broader shift towards increased rights and protections in the workplace. Both the state and local measures are expected to drive retention and boost morale among employees.
