(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Advocates for working women are applauding this week’s vote to strengthen Chicago’s laws on sexual harassment for all employers.
“Our workplaces and even our communities must not be a place of oppression or violence towards anyone, and with today’s ordinance we are taking a step towards equity and fairness through reform policies that will strengthen Chicago, creating safe workplaces for all," said Nancy Andrade, Commissioner of the Chicago Commission on Human Rights, in a statement.
Sharmili Majmudar, Executive Vice President of the group Women Employed, said the state of Illinois already requires an hour of sexual harassment training for workers.
"The way that the city's law builds on that is to ensure that there is training that is specifically for managers and supervisors, because we know people in a supervisory role have a particular level of responsibility and are often the front line."
Chicago’s strengthened law requires all employers to have written policies on sexual harassment and training not only for workers, but specifically for supervisors too-citing their responsibilities. Bystander training is also required.
The new law also increases the penalties for companies that participate in discriminatory practices.
Altogether, she said, this week’s City Council vote will have an impact on the workplace.
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