Labor & Employment Law Update

In the Spring of 2025, the Illinois Department of Labor filed a lawsuit against a union contractor alleging violations of the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act. The Department’s lawsuit alleged that work performed by the contractor on the Projects fell within the prevailing wage classification of Electrician, as opposed to the classification of Carpenter.

On December 18, 2025, the Department determined and agreed that the work the contractor performed on the Projects could properly be classified under the Carpenter classification. As the solar energy industry continues to evolve in Illinois, industry contractors (union and non-union) must become intimately familiar with the IPWA and the ever-changing legal landscape that comes with performing solar panel installation work on prevailing wage projects.

Illinois recently enacted amendments to the Illinois Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act (“IRPWA”).  The amendments became effective on December 12, 2025, immediately upon the governor’s signature.

On December 18, 2025, the U.S. Senate approved President Trump’s nominees, James Murphy and Scott Mayer, to serve as members on the National Labor Relations Board (Board). With the additions of Murphy and Mayer, the Board regains a quorum and can now officially act and adjudicate unfair labor practice charges and representational cases under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). 

As OSHA inspections continue to take place throughout the U.S., employers across industries need to be prepared to respond. An inspector’s arrival onsite can be disruptive and stressful, particularly if supervisors and frontline staff are unsure of what to do or say in the moment. The steps outlined below are designed to help employers navigate an OSHA inspection from the moment an inspector arrives, underscoring the importance of preparation as a key component of an effective workplace compliance strategy.

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and workers' compensation come with complex obligations for employers and HR professionals. Join Heather Bailey for an informative webcast on understanding the requirements and interactions of FMLA, ADA, and workers' compensation in the U.S. workplace.