Today, the Cook County Commission on Human Rights (CCCHR), the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), and Arise Chicago shared the minimum wage increase going into effect in Chicago and the Cook County tomorrow, July 1, 2023. and encouraged employees to check their paycheck to ensure the pay increase is represented in their next paycheck.
Arise Chicago, a worker center that partners with workers and faith communities to fight injustice in the workplace through education, organizing, and advocating for public policy change, supports workers throughout Chicago and Cook County to know their rights and, when necessary, file minimum wage complaints. sick leave and other labor violations.
Martina Sánchez, a member of Arise Chicago, encouraged workers not to be afraid to defend their rights. “I had a past experience with extreme wage theft. So I know what it’s like to not be paid properly. I know it can be scary to talk. But if you’re not paid properly, that’s theft! I want workers to know that. .you have the right to be paid at least the minimum wage. All workers have that right, regardless of their documentation status. The law protects all workers. Don’t be afraid to speak up!
Cook County
Beginning July 1, 2023, Cook County’s minimum wage will increase to $13.70 for non-tipped workers and $8.00 for tipped employees.
The Cook County Minimum Wage Ordinance (MWO) sets the lowest amount an employer must legally pay its employees. The MWO applies to hourly, salaried and tipped employees over the age of 18, who work in Cook County, including those who may be working within the county to make deliveries or drive within the county boundaries.
Municipalities where Cook County minimum wages apply include Barrington Hills, Berwyn, Countryside, Deerfield, Dolton, Evanston, Glencoe, Kenilworth, McCook, Northfield, Oak Brook, Oak Park, Phoenix, Skokie, University Park, Western Springs, Wilmette and Winnetka.
Employees who believe their employer is not paying the required minimum wage should first check with the municipality in which they work to ensure that the municipality does not have its own minimum wage. If the municipality has not opted out of the MWO, employees may file a complaint with the Cook County Human Rights Commission. To file a complaint, workers can use the Complaint form on the Commission’s website, available in English, Spanish, Polish and Chinese, or call 312-603-1100 or email human.rights@cookcountyil.gov.
“It is essential that workers know that they can make a complaint to the Human Rights Commission if they do not receive adequate wages, appropriate benefits or if they are being discriminated against or harassed in their workplace. Willful failure to meet the minimum wage is unacceptable and we thank Arise Chicago for their efforts to build trust among workers and encourage them to speak up,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
chicago
Every July 1, Chicago’s minimum wage increases under the Minimum Wage Ordinance. Chicago’s minimum wage is tiered for large businesses with 21 or more employees and small businesses with 4 to 20 employees. The minimum wage for older employees increases annually by the Consumer Price Index or 2.5%, whichever is lower.
“Minimum wage and labor laws serve as a fundamental cornerstone of a just and equitable society,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “We are committed to workers’ rights and ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of economic progress.”
Starting July 1, 2023, Chicago’s minimum wage will increase to:
- $15.80 for employers with 21 or more employees (including all domestic workers, regardless of number of employees)
- $15.00 for employers with 4 to 20 employees
- The minimum wage for tipped employees will be $9.48 for employers with 21 or more employees, and $9.00 for employers with 4 to 20 employees (employers must make up the difference between tips received and the applicable minimum wage for tipped employees). non-tipped workers).
Employers who maintain business facilities within the City of Chicago or who are required to obtain a business license to operate in the City of Chicago must pay their employees at least the Chicago minimum wage. Additionally, any employee who works two hours or more in the City of Chicago within a two-week period must also be paid at least the Chicago minimum wage.
Additionally, on July 1, 2023, the Fair Workweek Ordinance will include updated compensation metrics. Employees will be covered by the ordinance if they work in one of the seven “covered” industries (construction services, healthcare, hotels, manufacturing, restaurants, retail trade or warehouse services), earn less than or equal to $30.80 per hour, or earn less than or equal to $59,161.50/year, and the employer has at least 100 employees globally (250 employees and 30 locations if you operate a restaurant). The Fair Workweek Ordinance requires certain employers to provide workers with predictable work schedules and compensation for changes.
Chicago companies must publish the Minimum wage public notice and Fair Workweek Public Notice in their businesses. Notices are available to workers and business owners in English, Spanish, Polish, Simplified Chinese, Tagalog, and Korean by visiting Chicago.gov/LaborStandards.
All Chicago worker protections are enforced by BACP’s Office of Labor Standards (OLS). To file a labor standards complaint, workers can use the CHI 311 system (call 3-1-1, use the CHI311 mobile app, or visit 311.chicago.gov) or complete a complaint form by visiting Chicago.gov/LaborStandards.
