By Jacque Day
Illinois – Illinois Governor Pat Quinn today signed a new law that gives workers more rights when it comes to wage theft claims. It also stiffens penalties against employers who shortchange or don't pay workers. The measure gives the Illinois Department of Labor more oversight in dealing with the average 10,000-plus annual claims. The agency would deal directly with claims of $3,000 or less, which make up the majority. Wage theft has been an increasing problem in the state's downturned economy. Experts say Illinois' new wage theft law is among the strongest in the country. The Illinois law goes into effect January 1.