A Staffing-Agency Assignment Does Not Erase Your Illinois Workplace Rights
Introduction
Temporary agencies place many Chicagoland workers in warehouses, factories, distribution centers and other workplaces. Illinois’s Day and Temporary Labor Services Act imposes duties on covered agencies and third-party clients, including rules for assignment notices, wage statements, safety training and certain deductions.
CTA: If your pay stub does not match your hours—or you faced retaliation—contact Lopez & Sanchez’s bilingual employment team.
Key takeaways
- Covered agencies must register with the Illinois Department of Labor.
- Workers should receive assignment information covering the worksite, job, pay, transportation and possible costs.
- Required safety training must be provided without cost, and training time must be paid.
- Wage notices should identify hours, rates, earnings and deductions.
- Workers may file complaints with IDOL, and retaliation is prohibited.
Records temporary workers should keep
| Record | Details to preserve |
|---|---|
| Assignment notice | Job, location, rate, shift, transportation and costs |
| Daily work verification | Worksite, date and hours for a one-day assignment |
| Wage statement | Hours by client, pay rate, earnings and deductions |
| Safety training | Date, hazards discussed and paid training time |
| Messages and schedules | Cancellations, shift changes and assignments |
Sent to a worksite but given no work
IDOL’s guidance describes minimum-pay requirements when a worker is dispatched but not used by the client. The amount may differ if another assignment is offered during the same shift. Preserve arrival time, messages, supervisor information and proof that you reported as directed.
Deductions, equipment and transportation
The Act regulates deductions for meals and equipment and addresses worker transportation. A deduction is not necessarily valid merely because it appears on a pay stub. Compare it with the assignment notice, hours actually worked and any authorization.
Safety and retaliation
Covered agencies must provide hazard-related training under the applicable rules. Agencies and clients may not retaliate against workers for exercising rights protected by the Act.
FAQ
How can I check whether a staffing agency is registered?
IDOL publishes registration information. Third-party clients also have verification duties.
Must safety training be paid?
IDOL states that the required training must be free to the worker and that training time must be paid.
Where can a temporary worker complain?
IDOL accepts complaints and lists a toll-free Day Labor Hotline at 877-314-7052. Wage or overtime issues may involve additional procedures.
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For informational purposes only. This content is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.