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Employment of Illinois Workers on Public Works Act
The Act requires contractors to use at least 90% Illinois laborers on all public works projects that receive State funds or funds administered by the State during a period of excessive unemployment. Excessive unemployment is defined as any month immediately following 2 consecutive calendar months that the Illinois unemployment rate exceeds 5%. Civil penalties may be imposed on employers who hire non-Illinois workers on State public works projects.
4/18/2025 - The Illinois Department of Labor is not currently enforcing this Act. The statute is only enforceable by the Department when the unemployment rate in Illinois EXCEEDS 5% (according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics) for two consecutive months. The unemployment rate for March in Illinois is 4.8%.
Contact Number
General Information: 312-793-3600
Email: Robert.parrilli@illinois.gov