By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Protection for whistleblowers is the topic of a bill the attorney general is calling attention to. 

“Fear of retaliation is the single greatest factor to discourage victims of labor abuses from seeking justice,” said Kwame Raoul, adding that bosses’ bad behavior crosses a line when it includes intimidation, threats, and harassment, “The Covid-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of workers’ ability to raise workplace concerns without employer reprisal.” Raoul and other advocates announced their support Monday for a bill meant to curb such abuses.

State Rep. Lilian Jimenez (D-Chicago) is the sponsor and says she knows her way around the issue …

“I started out working at a union. I worked at nonprofit organizations. I worked for the Department of Labor. Those are the places you go to for help. It’s a group of organizations and state government actors that are working together, and that’s who you see here. That’s why this is so important.”

She says in many workplaces, employees are reluctant to call out abuses for fear of retaliation – up to and including deportation.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]