Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act Addendum

IL Paid Leave for All Workers Act (PLAWA, effective 1/1/2024) — 40 hours / 5 days per year of paid leave for ANY reason; no need to disclose the reason.

Purpose

• This addendum explains the Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act (PLAWA) requirements for eligible employees working in Illinois. It is intended to supplement the Company’s general leave policy and to ensure that Illinois employees receive at least the minimum paid leave protections required by law.

Scope

• This addendum applies to all employees who perform work in Illinois, including full-time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal employees, unless a specific statutory exemption applies. If this addendum conflicts with another policy, the provision that provides the greater employee protection or benefit will control for Illinois employees.

Definitions

• **Accrual year:** The 12-month period used by the Company to measure paid leave accrual and usage. **Paid leave:** Leave that is paid at the employee’s regular rate of pay and may be used for any reason permitted by PLAWA. **Policy holder:** The employer responsible for administering this addendum. **Reason for leave:** The personal or other purpose for which an employee requests paid leave; employees are not required to disclose this reason.

Policy Statement

• Eligible Illinois employees accrue paid leave at the rate of one hour for every 40 hours worked, up to a minimum of 40 hours (5 days) per 12-month period, unless the Company provides a more generous paid leave benefit. Employees may use accrued paid leave for any reason and are not required to provide a reason for the request.

Procedure

• 1. **Accrual and tracking:** The Company will track paid leave accrual and usage in good-faith and maintain records consistent with applicable law. 2. **Requesting leave:** Employees should submit leave requests using the Company’s standard time-off process when practicable. The Company will not require employees to disclose the reason for leave. 3. **Approval and scheduling:** Requests will be reviewed based on business needs and applicable legal requirements. The Company will not unreasonably deny leave that has been properly requested and accrued. 4. **Use of leave:** Paid leave may be used in increments permitted by law and Company payroll/timekeeping systems. 5. **Pay during leave:** Approved leave will be paid at the employee’s regular rate of pay, subject to applicable wage and hour rules.

Roles & Responsibilities

• **Employees:** Request leave in accordance with the Company process when practicable and report time accurately. **Managers:** Review requests promptly, avoid asking for the reason for leave, and escalate questions to HR. **HR / Policy holder:** Maintain compliant accrual records, train managers, and ensure the addendum is applied consistently. **Payroll:** Pay approved leave correctly and maintain accurate wage and hour records.

Carryover, Separation, and Reinstatement

• Unused paid leave will be handled in accordance with Illinois law and the Company’s broader leave policy. If the Company’s policy provides more generous carryover or payout terms, those terms will apply to the extent permitted by law. Reinstatement of accrued leave after rehire, if applicable, will be administered consistent with PLAWA and Company policy.

Anti-Retaliation and Compliance

• The Company prohibits retaliation, interference, or discrimination against any employee for requesting, using, or attempting to use protected paid leave under this addendum. Violations of this policy may result in documented warning, coaching, PIP, or other corrective action up to and including termination, depending on the severity of the conduct and applicable law. Employees may raise concerns to HR without fear of retaliation.

Review & Revision

• This addendum will be reviewed at least annually and whenever Illinois paid leave law changes. The policy holder is responsible for updating the addendum, communicating material changes, and ensuring continued compliance with the Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act and related wage and hour requirements.