Chicago Workers' Compensation Attorney Blog

Times are tough but we likely feel it most around the holidays when we want to be giving gifts but instead so many of us are struggling with employment issues. It certainly makes those Chicago workers who have a job feel more grateful to have a place to report to everyday. Some employees are so happy to have a job that they overlook the mistreatment by their employers when times are rough. The Chicago's workers' compensation attorneys want to remind you that you have rights and should be treated fairly.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Chicago area wages and salaries increased 2.7% from September 2009 to September 2010. While the state reported an unemployment rate of 9.8% in October, the Metropolitan areas of Illinois reported unemployment rates ranging between 7.3% and 14.4%. Chicago ranked on the low end at 8.9% according to Local Area Unemployment Statistics.

Last April Governor Quinn executed a Put Illinois to Work program. The program has been highly successful putting 26,000 people to work but it is now coming to a close. Only 23% of the people hired in conjunction with this program will be able to keep their permanent job. After putting over $100 million of state money into funding, this program has to come to an end. It was never put into place to be a permanent fix but rather to teach and train individuals on the job in order to be more marketable in getting a job as the economy recovers.

The bitter edge to this is employees knowing they are losing their jobs may do whatever it takes to keep them. Employers are in the driver's seat in the sense they have complete control and know that you are at their mercy. They may require you to work extra hours without compensation, perform the jobs of two people, deny vacation time, or perform at a high level without proper training. What the employee needs to pay particular attention to is if a company puts you in a dangerous work situation or demands you perform a task in adverse work conditions. If you don't know your rights you should contact a work injury lawyer in Chicago to help you.

The bottom line is you don't have to perform your job at all costs just to keep it. Knowing what the unemployment rates are may make you feel insecure but employers have an obligation to keep you safe while you are on the clock.