What is the Law Regarding Employment in Cook County?

Employment law refers to the body of laws in Cook County that regulate employees, employers, and independent contractors. Such laws regulate employment matters like hiring, wage levels, and termination policies. Employers and employees in Cook County must have an understanding of the employment laws.

"At-Will" vs. Contract Employment Terms

Majority of the time employment is considered to be "at-will", although in some instances there might be an employment contract between the employer and employee for a set period of time. "At-will" employers or employees can end the employment at any given time, if the reasons are not illegal. Laws of both the state and federal government decide which employment terms are valid and enforceable should there be a contract between the Cook County employee and employer.

Anti-Discrimination laws in Cook County

Laws that make discrimination illegal at all stages of employment including hiring, wages, and termination policies, all apply to Cook County citizens. People living in Cook County must abide by laws stating it is illegal for employers to discriminate against people who belong to certain classes. These classes may be based on race, national origin, gender, religion, disability, and age.

Claims for employment discrimination may be filed with an administrative agency such as EEOC. Attorneys often specialize in employment discrimination.