Chicago Employers Engaging In Retaliation
Employers in Chicago are still in a buyers market. There are far more people looking for work than there are jobs. This gives employers the upper hand and from my vantage point they are taking full advantage of it. This means they seem to be treating employees less than stellar. It is a violation of the Illinois Human Rights Act ("Act") to discriminate against an employee by having a member of management engage in sexual harassment or to engage in retaliation if the employee complains. If either of these occur, you can file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Human Rights ("IDHR"). The IDHR is the state agency that is tasked with investigating charges of employment discrimination.
If you file a complaint with the IDHR, the case will be governed by the Act. Under the Act, you can ask for damages that include lost wages, future lost wages, lost benefits, attorney fees, damages for emotional distress and reimbursement for medical bills attributed to the discriminatory conduct. It is important to speak with an employment attorney as soon as possible to protect your employment related rights. Remember, while the tide is still in favor in employers, you can expect to receive less than stellar treatment. Protect yourself and act fast.
