Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced a significant legal victory on behalf of the state's labor force, with a $600,000 settlement against Wonolo Inc., an online platform for temporary labor placement. According to the Illinois Attorney General's office, the settlement addresses the misclassification of workers as independent contractors and the failure to pay due overtime wages and minimum wage.
The investigation led by Raoul's office uncovered that workers procured through Wonolo's platform were not paid the state's mandated minimum wage, and were deprived of overtime premiums for hours worked over 40 in a single week. In addition to these wage concerns, AG Raoul pointed out, "Regardless of the industry in which they are employed, all Illinois workers have the right to receive pay they are owed." These findings highlight a systemic disregard for the protections that should be afforded to temporary laborers within the state.
More than 3,320 eligible employees have been identified to benefit from the settlement, ensuring they will finally receive the unpaid wages they earned. Beyond financial redress, the settlement with Wonolo includes provisions that, going forward, workers using the platform will be classified properly as employees. This reclassification guarantees access to employee benefits such as unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, and adherence to minimum wage and overtime wage laws.
The settlement also ensures compliance with the Illinois Day and Temporary Labor Services Act, which mandates a four-hour minimum pay for workers when their job assignments are canceled without reassignment. Raoul’s office emphasized the importance of these protections, reiterating in a statement that, "Wonolo failed to ensure that workers were employed by a registered day and temporary labor service provider." Affected employees can expect to be notified about their eligibility for the settlement funds by a claims administrator.
Continuing to champion the rights of Illinois workers, the Attorney General's Workplace Rights Bureau plays a crucial role in addressing violations and advancing labor laws in the state. Workers who suspect wage and hour violations are encouraged to reach out via the Workplace Rights Hotline at 1-844-740-5076 or visit the official website to file a complaint online. Assistant Attorney General Javier Castro was credited with handling the case for the bureau.
