The ILLINOIS WAGE PAYMENT AND COLLECTION ACT is something that the employees of the hotel should know about. Here is the part that pertains to the problem at the hotel:

ILLINOIS WAGE PAYMENT AND COLLECTION ACT

Section 300.840 Uniforms Required by an Employer

An employer shall not deduct the cost of purchasing and/or of cleaning uniforms required by the employer from an employee’s wages or final compensation, unless the employee’s express written consent is given freely at the time the deduction is made. Distinctive outfits or accessories, or both, intended to identify the employee with a specific employer shall be considered a uniform. If an employer requires a general type of ordinary basic street clothing to be worn, but permits variations in the detail of dress, this shall not be considered a uniform. However, when an employer requires that an employee purchase street clothes either from the employer or from a third party designated by the employer, the clothing shall be considered a uniform.

Of course I could be reading it wrong. But to me this says that the employer has to pay for uniforms. “They” are saying as long as there is no logos or such that they don’t have to pay. And again I don’t see it that way.