July 1, 2016

Mayor Emanuel Announces Chicago’s Minimum Wage Increases To $10.50

Across Chicago 270,000 Workers Are Receiving a Raise; Minimum Wage Increasing to $13 in 2019

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

Mayor Rahm Emanuel today announced that Chicago’s minimum wage has increased to $10.50 per hour. The increase is part of a 2014 ordinance that will raise the minimum wage for all Chicago workers annually up to $13 per hour in 2019. Approximately 270,000 workers are receiving a raise today, including an estimated 42,000 who are receiving their first increase under the ordinance.

“Today marks another step for people across Chicago by making sure hard work is rewarded with higher pay. Because earning the minimum wage should not mean minimal opportunities for Chicago’s families,” Mayor Emanuel said. “Anyone who works in the City of Chicago should be able to afford to live and raise a family here.”

Minimum wage increases are phased in on an annual basis every July 1st with increases to $11 in 2017, $12 in 2018, and to a wage of $13 per hour in 2019. It’s estimated that by 2019 the increases will have brought hundreds of thousands of workers out of poverty and add $860 million to Chicago’s economy. Minimum wage increases beginning in 2020 will be tied to the rate of inflation but not to exceed 2.5 percent.

Through a series of outreach events the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) provided information to employers and workers know about their rights in the workplace. Informational materials and regulations are on BACP’s website. The information is available to workers and business owners in English, Spanish, Polish, Mandarin Chinese and Korean.

BACP is hosting a free workshop “Everything You Need to Know about Upcoming Ordinances,” on August 10, 2016, from 3 to 4:30 pm at room 805, City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., Chicago. To register for a workshop or for more information, call 312.744.2086 or email BACPoutreach@cityofchicago.org. Learn more about BACP’s programs and events by visiting www.cityofchicago.org/BACP.

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