(820 ILCS 140/1) (from Ch. 48, par. 8a)
    Sec. 1. The words and phrases mentioned in this section, as used in this Act, and in proceedings pursuant hereto shall, unless the same be inconsistent with the context, be construed as follows:
    "Employer" shall mean a person, partnership, joint stock company or corporation, which employs any person to work, labor or exercise skill in connection with the operation of any business, industry, vocation or occupation.
(Source: P.A. 78-917.)