This morning, the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association reached an accommodation with Director Michael D. Kleinik and the Illinois Department of Labor allowing employees to
work seven days per calendar week
during the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Employers
must submit an application
to the Labor Department but
that application will be deemed approved as soon as it is filed
. Employers do not have to wait for official approval from the Department but they may be contacted with additional clarifying questions. Employees may not be forced to work but can volunteer for the additional shift and all compensation/overtime rules continue to apply. Additionally, the Department is working on emergency rules that will formalize this action.
Under current law, Illinois’ One Day Rest in Seven Act (ODRISA) provides that employees must receive
24 consecutive hours of rest
in every calendar week (Sunday to Saturday) and employers may apply for a special permit granting them the authority to work seven days per week for no more than eight weeks per year.
Please let us know if you have any additional questions or concerns.
