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When It's Illegal To Withhold A Worker's Wages
It is against state and federal law for an employer to keep any portion of your wages, if for any length of time this causes you to earn less than the minimum wage. Some states, also have laws that prohibit an employer from arbitrarily withholding wages.

Examples Of Illegal Wage Withholdings Activities Include:

a. Failure to pay a worker the wages he earned because she made a mistake or didn't do a good
    job.

b. Failure to pay wages due because the worker breaks a company policy or is fired.

c. Failure to pay a worker's wages because he quit with out first giving the employer two weeks notice. Often this can happen when the worker is made to agree beforehand that he must give proper notice or forfeit his last paycheck. But contract or no contract,  the right to a minimum wage cannot be given up. No matter what you signed, the employer must still pay you at least the minimum wage.

See Also Docking and Employee's Wages Or Salary (Consumer-SOS)
When you can and cannot do so.  

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Illinois Help Agencies

Illinois Department Of Labor

Your Local US Department Of Labor

Your Local Legal Aid Office

Illinois Department Of Revenue

Illinois Department Of Consumer Affairs

The licensing or regulatory agency (if any) that regulates the business.  

The Internal Revenue Service


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Time Off, Breaks & Meals

Because state laws vary on time off and breaks, particularly for minor employees, it’s important to check the laws in your particular state.

Breaks, Meals, Sick Days, Vacation Not Required by Law
Contrary to what many people believe, no law in Illinois requires an employer to provide breaks to workers – even though many employers do.
The law does provide for other worker benefits, including an unpaid meal period of at least 20 minutes no later than five hours after beginning a work day of 7-1/2 hours in duration. Illinois law also requires employers to provide one day a week off.

Minimum Rest Period Requirements Under State Law For Employees in The Private Sector
Note: If you can't find your state, you probably have no rights unless, of course, you work for the government.

Jury Duty & Being A Witness (Consumer-SOS)

Docking and Employee's Wages Or Salary (Consumer-SOS)
When you can and cannot do so.

Fair Pay & Time Off (Nolo Articles)
FAQ's on wage & hour laws and more.

Lunch & Other Breaks

Minimum Length of Meal Period Required Under State Law For Employees in The Private Sector 
Note: If you can't find your state, you probably have no rights unless you work for the government.

Paid Time Off And Breaks
Employment Standards Administration’s frequently asked questions about paid sick and vacation leave and breaks.

Fair Pay & Time Off For Minors (Consumer-SOS)

Family And Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Allows employees to balance their work and family responsibilities by taking unpaid leave for certain reasons. The FMLA applies to any private-sector employer who is engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce, and who has 50 or more
employees.

The Family And Medical Leave Act of 1993
From GA but applies to every state.

Paternity Leave And The Family Medical Leave Act

The Family Medical Leave Act-A Compliance Guide (Good)

On-the-Job Benefits and Policies, Including Pregnancy and Family Leave
Learn how women can protect themselves from a host of discriminatory work policies.

Birth and Adoption Unemployment Compensation Final Regulation
The Labor Department has issued the Birth and Adoption
Unemployment Compensation Final Rule. This rule allows states to provide partial wage replacement under the unemployment compensation program, on a voluntary, experimental basis, to parents who take leave or who otherwise leave employment following the birth or adoption of a child.

State Departments Of Labor (All 50 States & DC)
Enforces compliance with state wage and hour laws, including breaks and time off.

Required Workplace Posters
Federal laws require several posters to be displayed in the workplace. As always, State laws may require additional
posters to be displayed in addition to or instead of the posters required by federal law.

The Working Women's Legal Survival Guide (Outstanding)
Covers any problem, any right and any legal remedy a working woman could have! Excellent for men too (In most cases). 

Where Else To Go For Help

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Taxes

Taxes And Tips
Information for you if part of your income is derived from cash tips.

Taxpayer Advocate Service
How to get assistance if you are experiencing a problem dealing with the IRS or if you are suffering a significant hardship as a result of the administration of the tax law, including information about your rights as a taxpayer.

Form W-2 -- What To Do If Not Received
What to do if your employer fails to provide you with a W-2 Form by the end of January and what to do when you leave a job before the end of the year and still need your W-2
form.

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For More See Consumer-SOS-Taxes


Union-Related  Organizations

National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
Investigates and provides remedies for unfair labor
practices by employers and unions.

Trade Unions & Labor Organizations 

All Purpose Help Agencies

United Way Help Line (For All 50 States, DC & Puerto Rico)
Choose your state, select your city, and look up help agencies in every state & city. Their stellar search engine can lead you to both government and non-profits alike. Just type in the words "Discrimination" and employment"  or whatever words best describe your topic.

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