Christmas has come early to many Chicago workers. On Dec. 2, 2014, the Chicago City Council voted by a 44 to 5 margin to create a “city minimum wage” that increases the minimum wage for those who work in Chicago. In January 2015, the minimum wage will increase from $8.25 to $10 per hour. The minimum wage will increase to $13 per hour by July 2019.
Many are predicting fall out from this vote. For example, individuals working geographically close to Chicago may now look for work in Chicago to get a “raise”, but making it harder to find work in Chicago. On the other hand, businesses in Chicago may look to relocate to a border suburb or to Indiana where hourly wage rates will remain lower. At present, it does not seem as though the Illinois legislature intends to propose a bill to raise the minimum wage throughout Illinois. Of course, that could change quickly. Only time will tell what the impact of this raise in the minimum wage will be.
For more information, please contact the Barnes & Thornburg Labor and Employment attorney with whom you work, or a leader of the firm’s Labor and Employment Department in the following offices:
Kenneth J. Yerkes
Department Chair
(317) 231-7513
John T.L. Koenig
Atlanta
(404) 264-4018
David B. Ritter
Chicago
(312) 214-4862
William A. Nolan
Columbus
(614) 628-1401
Mark S. Kittaka
Fort Wayne
(260) 425-4616
Robert W. Sikkel
Grand Rapids
616-742-3978
Peter A. Morse
Indianapolis
(317) 231-7794
Scott J. Witlin
Los Angeles
(310) 284-3777
Teresa L. Jakubowski
Washington, D.C.
(202) 371-6366
Janilyn Brouwer Daub
South Bend/Elkhart
(574) 237-1139
Visit us online at www.btlaw.com or @BTLawLE, and don’t forget to bookmark our blogs at www.btlaborelations.com and www.btcurrents.com.
© 2014 Barnes & Thornburg LLP. All Rights Reserved. This page, and all information on it, is proprietary and the property of Barnes & Thornburg LLP. It may not be reproduced, in any form, without the express written consent of Barnes & Thornburg LLP.
This Barnes & Thornburg LLP publication should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. The contents are intended for general informational purposes only, and you are urged to consult your own lawyer on any specific legal questions you may have concerning your situation.
