The Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act (PLAWA) is a new law requiring employers in the state of Illinois to provide paid leave to their employees. The paid leave can be used for any reason, and the law is effective January 1, 2024. The Bluecrew Illinois paid leave plan covers all Crew Members working in the state of Illinois, including Cook County and Chicago.
Accrual
Crew Members accrue 1 hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked in Illinois. Accrual begins on the first day of the Crew Member’s first assignment, or the law’s effective date, January 1, 2024, whichever is later. Crew Members may accrue up to 40 hours per calendar year.
Anniversary Year
The year used to determine accrual, usage, and carryover is measured by the current calendar year beginning each year on January 1 and ending on Dec 31.
Usage and Carryover
Crew Members may use up to 40 hours of paid leave. All accrued and unused time will be carried over to the following calendar year.
Waiting Period to Use Paid Leave
Usage of paid leave for new Crew Members may begin 90 calendar days after the first day of the Crew Member’s first assignment. During this waiting period, Crew Members will accrue time, but may not use it until after the waiting period. Current Bluecrew Crew Members working as of the effective date of the Act may begin using their accrued time on March 31, 2024.
Incremental Use
Crew Members may use paid leave in a minimum of 1 hour increments.
Acceptable Reasons to Use Paid Leave
Crew Members may use paid leave for any reason and are not required to provide a reason when submitting their request to use their paid leave.
Notice to Request Paid Leave
Crew Members must contact Bluecrew Support to request use of paid leave through the in-app Help feature:
When foreseeable (e.g. doctor appointment, vacation)
The Crew Member must provide their request at least 7 calendar days prior to the date they want to use paid leave.
The Crew Member must make a reasonable effort to schedule their paid leave in a manner that does not unduly disrupt the employer's operations.
If the Crew Member fails to submit their request at least 7 calendar days prior to the requested day off, it will be denied.
When unforeseeable (e.g. unexpected illness or injury)
The Crew Member must make a good faith effort to notify the employer as soon as possible once the need for leave is known.
No Call No Shows
If the Crew Member does not call prior to the beginning of their shift and does not show up for their shift, they will be unable to use paid leave and the absence will count as unexcused and will be unpaid. Exceptions to this provision may be granted depending on the circumstances of the absence.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation is not required as a condition of using paid leave.
Unused Time at Separation or Assignment End
Unused paid leave accrued by the Crew Member under the Illinois PLAWA will not be paid out at separation. Unused time will remain available for use if the Crew Member returns to work within 12 months of their last assignment date.
Misuse of paid leave
Bluecrew may take disciplinary action, up to and including termination, against a Crew Member who uses this paid leave for purposes other than those provided for under the law, for dishonesty, or for other leave-related misconduct.
Interaction with Local Leave Laws
Per the Illinois PLAWA, it does not apply where a municipal or county paid leave or paid sick leave ordinance is already in effect prior to the state law’s effective date of January 1, 2024. Therefore, other leave requirements may apply to worksites located in some areas of Cook County or Chicago.
Employee Complaint Rights
Employees have the right to file a complaint with the Illinois Department of Labor against an employer who retaliates or discriminates against the Crew Member for requesting and/or using paid leave.
Contacts
Bluecrew Support by tapping Help in the Bluecrew app.