Illinois is an "employment at-will" state, meaning that an employer or employee may terminate the relationship at any time, without any reason or cause. Under the new ordinance, Chicagobased employees will be entitled to 40 hours of paid sick leave and 40 hours of paid leave (for any reason) each year.In Illinois, an employment contract is an agreement executed between an employer and an employee that serves as the framework for the business relationship. It establishes the floor or minimum amount of paid time off employees in Cook County are entitled to. This was in the original version of the Ordinance, before the definition of a Covered Employee was changed. Call today or fill out the form below. "Employment" is any type of work performed, or services provided, in exchange for money, tuition, fees, books, supplies, lodging, or for any other benefit.