CHICAGO – Standing with essential workers, State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) commended a labor package signed into law on Friday that will increase first responder benefits, protect retail employees and expand collective bargaining rights.

“Essential employees and first responders have been on the front lines fighting for us, and we need to look out for them,” Gillespie said. “A workplace free from harassment, with livable wages and time to recuperate from injury are all rights that every employee should have.”

This historic labor package expands paid disability leave for first responders by 60 days due to decreased access to rehabilitative services. It also elevates the charge of battery of a retail employee to aggravated battery if the incident took place during or up to six months after a declared public health emergency. Aggravated battery charges would also apply to incidents that occur while an employee relays directions for health and safety precautions, among other duties.

Senate Bill 471 also requires existing racetracks with 10 or more employees to engage in collective bargaining if the track wishes to expand to include a casino. While the horse racing industry is excluded from federal collective bargaining laws, Illinois has extended similar protections to most businesses. The new law is effective immediately.