Illinois One Day Rest in Seven Act
At least 24 hours of rest in every 7-day period, plus a 20-minute meal period.
The rule
The Illinois Department of Labor says employers must give employees at least 24 hours of rest in every consecutive 7-day period. The Department can issue a permit for work on the 7th day when the employee has voluntarily agreed, and the employee is paid the overtime rate if the week goes over 40 hours.
The same page requires a meal period of at least 20 minutes for every 7.5-hour shift, starting no later than 5 hours after the shift begins, and another 20-minute meal period for every additional 4.5 continuous hours. Reasonable restroom breaks are required in addition to the meal period.
What employers must do
Schedule a 24-hour rest in each 7-day stretch unless you have a Department permit and the employee agreed. Do not treat the permit as a waiver of weekly overtime. Give the 20-minute meal period on a 7.5-hour shift, and another one when the shift continues another 4.5 hours.
Effective dates
This is the rule on the Department's worker-rights page reviewed November 7, 2026. No January 1, 2027 change to the 24-hour rest or the 20-minute meal period was on that page.
What this means for BOSS partners and associates
Most BOSS associates work in Illinois. Tell BOSS the worksite before the assignment starts, including whether it is in Chicago or Cook County. Associates should record every hour worked. A permit to work the seventh day is not something a partner should promise without checking with BOSS Support.
Questions? Contact BOSS Support at support@backofficenow.com.
Sources
This article is general information, not legal advice. Laws change; check with BOSS Support or your own counsel for your situation.