Illinois Department of Labor reminds workers to watch their wages

Posted on January 3, 2020
money
The last time Illinois increased its minimum wage was a decade ago when it was raised to $8.25. (Photo Pixabay)

 

By Neil Doyle

SPRINGFIELD – The start of a new year means a higher minimum wage and the Illinois Department of Labor is encouraging employees to watch their paychecks to ensure that time worked in 2020 is paid at the new rate.

“While we expect compliance by all employers regarding the new minimum wage, it is important that workers earning minimum wage are aware that the $1 increase should be reflected in their pay checks for any time they work after the first of the year,” said Michael Kleinik, director of the Illinois Department of Labor.

Minimum wage earners received an increase of $1 to $9.25 an hour on Jan. 1, which will be followed by an increase to $10 an hour on July 1. The minimum wage will then increase an additional $1 an hour each Jan. 1 until it reaches $15 an hour in 2025.

The new law maintains provisions for employers to count gratuities to offset wages for workers such as food servers who regularly earn tips. Workers who are under 18 years old and work fewer than 650 hours in a year earn a minimum wage of $8 per hour beginning January 1st, up from the old youth minimum wage of $7.75.

The last time Illinois increased its minimum wage was a decade ago when it was raised to $8.25.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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