Chicago, Illinois
Complete guide to Chicago leave laws including Paid Leave and Paid Sick Leave Ordinance, Fair Workweek Ordinance, and employee protections.
5
Annual leave
11
Public holidays
city
Location type
2025-01-15
Reviewed
Legal framework
Primary legislation
Governing body
Last updated
Official source
Entitlements overview
Annual leave
Statutory entitlement: 5
Calculation: Chicago requires 40 hours paid leave for any reason
Pro-rata: 1 hour per 35 hours worked
Carryover: Up to 16 hours paid leave can carry over
Sick leave
Statutory: Yes
Paid days: 40
Statutory pay: Regular hourly rate
Eligibility: All employees working 80+ hours in any 120-day period
Parental leave
Maternity: 12 weeks FMLA (if eligible)
Paternity: 12 weeks FMLA (if eligible)
Adoption: 12 weeks FMLA (if eligible)
Additional leave and compliance
Other leave types
Paid Leave (Any Purpose): 40 hours per year (paid)
Safe Leave: Part of sick leave accrual (paid)
Fair Workweek: N/A - scheduling requirements (paid)
Jury Duty: Duration of service (unpaid)
Voting Leave: 2 hours (paid)
Record keeping and notice
Records: Maintain records for 5 years
Penalties: Up to $3,000 per offense plus back pay and damages
Public holiday sample
New Year's Day: 2025-01-01
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: 2025-01-20
Presidents' Day: 2025-02-17
Casimir Pulaski Day: 2025-03-04
Memorial Day: 2025-05-26
Juneteenth: 2025-06-19
Frequently asked questions
What is unique about Chicago paid leave?
Chicago requires TWO separate leave banks: (1) Paid Leave - 40 hours for any reason, and (2) Paid Sick Leave - 40 hours for illness/safe time. Both accrue at 1 hour per 35 hours worked. Paid leave must be paid out on termination; sick leave does not.
What is the Chicago Fair Workweek Ordinance?
Covered employers in hospitality and retail must provide 14-day advance notice of schedules, offer hours to existing workers before hiring, and pay predictability pay for schedule changes.
Related policy guides
Illinois
Complete guide to Illinois leave laws including the Paid Leave for All Workers Act and VESSA. Updated for 2025.
United States (Federal)
Complete guide to US federal leave laws including FMLA, military leave, and jury duty. Understand employer obligations and employee rights under federal law.
New York City
Complete guide to NYC leave laws including Paid Safe and Sick Leave, NY Paid Family Leave, temporary schedule changes, and workplace protections.