Springfield, IL-(Effingham Radio)- Construction companies across Illinois may be required by law to provide female employees with separate bathroom facilities and menstrual products under a bill being considered in Springfield.
The law would apply to construction companies with 10 or more employees – including women – on a site active for more than five days.
Beth Berendsen, of Chicago Women’s Trades, said the bill is important for women in the construction industry, whom she said have faced discrimination and unfair treatment for decades.
She said along with the law mandating restrooms and hygienic products, the primary employer, upon request, must also provide a private space for nursing mothers to lactate.
Republican State Rep. Tom Weber, of Fox Lake, said he’s unaware of the issue, despite having worked in the industry.
Weber also pushed back on the narrative that the bill would be exclusively beneficial.
Senate bills like this one must pass the House no later than this week.
Story from Illinois Radio Network
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