New protections are coming for women in Illinois’ construction industry
August 24, 2026
BURR RIDGE – A new Illinois law aims to improve health, safety and dignity on construction jobsites while addressing workplace barriers that can make it more difficult for women to enter and remain in the skilled trades.
Gov. JB Pritzker recently signed Senate Bill 3465 into law, establishing new requirements for construction jobsites related to restroom access, menstrual hygiene products and accommodations for lactating workers. The law, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2027, was led by State Sen. Graciela Guzmán and State Rep. Theresa Mah and developed with the involvement of Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT).
The legislation addresses practical workplace needs that can have a significant impact on the day-to-day experiences of women working in construction.
Under the new law, construction sites where women and workers who menstruate are present must provide menstrual hygiene products at no cost and allow adequate time for restroom use, taking into consideration the protective clothing and equipment commonly worn by construction workers.
On jobsites with 10 or more workers, employers will be required to provide a dedicated restroom for women or workers who menstruate. The restroom must be clearly identified and include a secure internal latch to provide privacy.
The legislation also strengthens workplace accommodations for nursing mothers. Upon request, reasonable accommodations may include flexible break schedules, a private and secure location to express breast milk, access to refrigeration or a comparable option for storage, and a nearby water source for sanitation.
The law also provides protections against retaliation for workers who exercise their rights under the new requirements.
Beyond providing basic workplace accommodations, supporters say the legislation can help address a larger challenge facing the construction industry: recruiting and retaining a workforce that reflects the communities the industry serves.
Women continue to represent a relatively small percentage of the construction workforce. Chicago Women in Trades notes that inadequate facilities, harassment and other workplace barriers can contribute to women leaving careers in the industry. Removing those barriers can help ensure individuals who enter Apprenticeship programs and develop valuable construction skills have an opportunity to build long-term careers in the trades.
“For too long, the basic needs of tradeswomen and their families have been ignored by the industry,” said Cristina Barillas-McEntee, journeyworker plumber with Plumbers Local 130 and Director of Tradeswomen Initiatives at Chicago Women in Trades. “Clean washrooms, menstrual products, and private space for nursing mothers are not special requests; they are what an inclusive worksite requires.”
For Illinois’ Union construction industry, attracting the next generation of skilled workers remains a priority. Creating jobsites that are safe, professional and welcoming to all workers is an important part of expanding those opportunities.
As more women pursue careers in the Union construction trades, policies that address workplace safety, dignity and basic needs can help ensure they have the opportunity not only to enter the industry, but to remain in it and build successful, family-sustaining careers.