October 28, 2016

Cook County Board Approves Higher Minimum Wage

Holland & Knight Alert
Phillip M. Schreiber

The Cook County (Ill.) Board on Oct. 26, 2016, passed an increase to the county's minimum wage. The county's current minimum wage of $8.25 will increase to $10 per hour on July 1, 2017, then will rise to $11 on July 1, 2018, to $12 on July 1, 2019, and to $13 on July 1, 2020. After 2020, the minimum wage will increase annually at the rate of inflation, but the increase will be capped at 2.5 percent.

Workers in the county who earn tips and make $4.95 per hour under state law will have their wages rise with the rate of inflation beginning on July 1, 2018. The minimum-wage increases for tipped employees will be capped at 2.5 percent.

The county's minimum-wage law applies county-wide and includes unincorporated areas. Home-rule municipalities may vote to opt out of the county's minimum-wage increases. Employers subject to the City of Chicago's minimum-wage ordinance will be subject to a $13 minimum wage for Chicago workers in July 2019. 
   


Information contained in this alert is for the general education and knowledge of our readers. It is not designed to be, and should not be used as, the sole source of information when analyzing and resolving a legal problem. Moreover, the laws of each jurisdiction are different and are constantly changing. If you have specific questions regarding a particular fact situation, we urge you to consult competent legal counsel.


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