Chicago's Minimum Wage To Increase In July

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The City of Chicago is increasing its minimum wage to $15.40, and a new fair workweek advance notice for schedule changes will be in effect in July.

According to a press release, Mayor Lightfoot and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) revealed the new minimum wage increase and workweek ordinance requirements. The city's minimum wage increases every July, following the Minimum wage ordinance.

Employers must post work schedules with at least 14 days' notice. In another change, employees will need to earn less than $29.35 per hour or $56,381.85 per year to gain protection under the Fair Workweek Ordinance. So, if you make more, you won't be protected.

In the release, a quote from Bob Reiter, President of the Chicago Federation of Labor, states,

Raising the minimum wage has lifted up thousands of workers throughout Chicago, and especially during these times of inflation and uncertainty, every cent counts. In raising the minimum wage, the city continues to be a leader in advocating for equitable job opportunities to lift up residents in all of Chicago's 77 neighborhoods.

Below are answers to some questions you might have about the new raise.

When will this increase happen?

July 1st.

I work at a company in the suburbs. Does this apply to me?

No, this increase is only for employees of businesses located in the city of Chicago.

Is this a 40-cent raise for all Chicago workers? What about tipped employees?

The press release states:

• $15.40 for employers with 21 or more employees (including all domestic workers, regardless of the number employed)  
• $14.50 for employers with 4-20 employees 
• The minimum wage for tipped employees will be $9.24 for employers with 21 or more employees and $8.70 for employers with 4-20 employees (employers must make up the difference between any tips received and the applicable minimum wage for non-tipped workers.)  

If you have more questions, click here to view the press release.