Cook County, Chicago, Arise Chicago Share Increased Minimum Wages Effective July 1

Cook County, IL)— Today, the Cook County Commission on Human Rights (CCCHR), City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), and Arise Chicago shared the increased minimum wages that will take effect in Chicago and Cook County tomorrow, July 1, 2023, and encouraged employees to check their check to ensure the increased wages are represented in their next paycheck.

Arise Chicago, a worker center that partners with workers and faith communities to fight workplace injustice through education, organizing and advocating for public policy changes, supports workers throughout Chicago and Cook County to know their rights and, when necessary, file complaints of minimum wage, sick leave, and other labor violations.

Arise Chicago member Martina Sanchez encouraged workers not to be afraid to stand up for their rights. “I had a past experience with extreme wage theft. So I know what it’s like not to be paid properly. I know speaking up can be scary. But if you aren’t paid properly, that is theft! I want workers to know that you have the right to be paid at least the minimum wage. All workers have that right, no matter your documentation status. The law protects all workers. Don’t be afraid to speak up!”

Cook County

Effective July 1, 2023, the Cook County minimum wage will in-crease to $13.70 for non-tipped workers and $8.00 for tipped employees.

Cook County’s Minimum Wage Ordinance (MWO) sets the lowest amount an employer must legally pay their employees. The MWO applies to hourly, salaried, and tipped employees over the age of 18, working in Cook County, even those who may be working within Cook County to make deliveries or driving within the County limits.

Municipalities where Cook County’s minimum wages apply include Barrington Hills, Berwyn, Countryside, Deerfield, Dolton, Evanston, Glencoe, Kenilworth, Mc- Cook, Northfield, Oak Brook, Oak Park, Phoenix, Skokie, University Park, Western Springs, Wilmette, and Winnetka.