Proposal allowing workplace readiness week for high schools heads to Pritzker

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois public and charter high schools may soon be able to annually observe a week for students to learn about workers rights.

A bill heading to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk states the Workplace Readiness Week could include information about local, state and federal laws and how the labor movement played a role in winning protections and benefits for workers.

Sen. Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island) said students will have the opportunity to learn about wage and hour protections, worker safety, unemployment insurance and paid leave among other topics.

"This bill just sets a minimum requirement for the curriculum," Halpin said Thursday. "Any school, as long as they have this included in the curriculum, can add on whatever other information that they want to add when it comes to workforce training or business development in the local community.

Senate Republicans are concerned the Workplace Readiness Week may promote biased views or topics about labor. However, Halpin stressed that the bill is designed to generally inform students about laws on the books and should not include any biased content.

Students would also receive information about state-approved apprenticeship programs and alternative career paths for young people who choose not to go to college.

House Bill 4417 passed out of the Senate on a partisan 40-19 vote. The proposal passed out of the House on a 88-22 vote on April 16.