Illinois Worker Freedom of Speech [ Free Download]
Ensuring employees understand their rights is a vital step toward workplace transparency and fairness. With the Worker Freedom of Speech Act (820 ILCS 57/) taking effect on January 1, 2025, Illinois employers are required to inform their workforce of these protections. To support compliance, we’re offering a free downloadable Worker Freedom of Speech Act notice that employers can print and display.
What Is the Worker Freedom of Speech Act?
The Worker Freedom of Speech Act is a new Illinois law that protects employees from being forced to attend meetings or receive communications where an employer discusses religious or political matters. Under this law, employees cannot be required to participate in discussions about political parties, elections, labor organizations, or religious affiliations.
In the past, employees have faced undue pressure to listen to employer viewpoints on sensitive political or religious topics. This Act ensures that participation in such discussions is strictly voluntary and that employees are protected from retaliation if they choose not to engage.
Employer Responsibilities
To comply with the law, employers must:
Post a notice informing employees of their rights under the Act.
Ensure voluntary participation in employer-sponsored discussions on religious or political matters.
Prohibit retaliation against employees who choose not to participate.
Download Your Free Notice
We’ve created a professionally designed notice summarizing the key points of the law. Employers can download, print, and display this notice where workplace notices are customarily posted.
👇 Download the Free Notice Here
How to Report Violations
If an employee believes their rights under this Act have been violated, they can file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Labor. Employers who violate this law may face civil penalties of $1,000 per offense.
For more information or to report a violation, contact: Illinois Department of Labor
Website: www.illinois.gov/idol
Other Illinois Labor Law Posters
In addition to the Worker Freedom of Speech Act Notice, Illinois businesses may also need to display other important labor law posters, such as those related to minimum wage, workplace safety, and anti-discrimination laws. Keeping track of these updates can be time-consuming, but ePoster makes compliance easy by providing digital labor law posters that update automatically.
With ePoster, you can ensure your workplace stays up to date with Illinois’ latest posting requirements and seamlessly manage compliance for multiple locations. Get started today!