e-Alert: Chicago Requires Time Off for COVID-19 Vaccinations

Background

On April 21, 2021, the City of Chicago passed an ordinance requiring Chicago employers to provide employees time off from work to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.

Summary

• Employers that mandate employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine must compensate them for up to four hours per vaccine dose. Employees must be paid at their regular rate of pay for these hours.
• Employers that do not mandate the vaccine are not required to pay employees for time taken to receive the vaccine, however they must allow them time off to receive the vaccine.
• All employees must be permitted to receive the vaccine during their regular work shifts.
• Employers are not allowed to force employees to schedule vaccination appointments around their work shifts.
• Employers are prohibited from retaliating against any employee for taking time off to receive the vaccine.

Employers Next Steps

• Employers should notify their managers and employees to ensure they are aware of this new obligation.
• If you are a Full-Service or Virtual HR client and have questions about this e-Alert, please email us.

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This content is provided with the understanding that HR Knowledge is not rendering legal advice. While every effort is made to provide current information, the law changes regularly and laws may vary depending on the state or municipality. The material is made available for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice or your professional judgment. You should review applicable laws in your jurisdiction and consult experienced counsel for legal advice. If you have any questions regarding this content, please contact HR Knowledge at 508.339.1300 or email us.