In an effort to protect individuals from harassment and abuse while at work, state Rep. Jawaharial “Omar” Williams, D-Chicago, sponsored comprehensieve legislation to expand protections for hotel and casino employees across Illinois.
“Every employee in both the public and private sector has the right to work in an environment that is not threatening or endangering in any way,” said Williams. “We need to do everything we can so that employees feel safe every day when they go to work.”
Williams backed sweeping legislation that relates to many different issues regarding employee safety and ethics. Senate Bill 75 creates the Hotel and Casino Employees Safety Act which requires hotels and casinos to equip employees working alone in a guest room, restroom or casino floor with safety devices, such as a panic button, as well as write an anti-sexual harassment policy that protects employees against sexual assault and harassment by guests.
This comprehensive legislation also reforms the process for local and state elected officials to file statements of economic interest and creates the Workplace Transparency Act (WTA) to prohibit employers from preventing disclosure or waiver of an employee’s rights related to harassment, discrimination or retaliation in order to obtain or retain employment.
“I would like to applaud Governor Pritzker for taking the initiative and signing this important bill into law,” said Williams. “This is a very important step in ensuring employees have proper protections and that Illinois workplaces are safer for everyone.”
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