Release: Amidst Federal Attacks, Local Organizers Remind Immigrants of Worker Protections

Workers Reminded to “Check Your Check” on July 1st 

Minimum wage rates and additional employment law updates apply to all workers, say local organizers and government agencies

Media Contact

Shelly Ruzicka, Arise Chicago

773-251-5003

[email protected] 

**Arise Chicago and government agency representatives are available for interview upon request.

CHICAGO–Worker rights organization Arise Chicago launched their biannual “Check Your Check” campaign in conjunction with city, county, and state government agencies to remind workers of employment law updates that go into effect on July 1, 2025. 

 “Arise Chicago is a trusted community resource in immigrant communities in Chicagoland, and part of our role is to build bridges between employment enforcement agencies and workers who might be skeptical or even scared of government, especially now, “said Arise Chicago Worker Center Director, Moises Zavala. “Amidst ongoing federal attacks on government workers and immigrants, it is critical for all workers to know that city, county, and state labor agencies are committed to enforcing employment laws for all workers.” 

“Arise Chicago is proud to stand with our government agency partners to educate workers on their rights,” said Arise Chicago Incoming Executive Director, Laura Garza. “We are here to educate employers of their responsibilities, and remind them that if they violate their worker’s rights, Arise Chicago and employment agencies will hold them accountable.”

In a message to workers, Arise Chicago member and Board member Carlos Sosa said “Remember that you have rights! Inform yourself and organize in your workplace to defend them! If your rights are violated, there are agencies where you can file complaints without fear. You can also look for support from organizations like Arise Chicago to learn how to organize and assert your rights.”

Labor and employment laws apply to all workers, regardless of identity. Chicago, Cook County, and Illinois each have employment protection laws above the low federal minimums. These include minimum wage and paid time off, among others.

On July 1, 2025, Chicago’s minimum wage increases to $16.60 per hour, and $12.62 per hour for tipped workers. Cook County and Illinois rates remain at $15.00 per hour and $9.00 for tipped workers (after an increase on January 1, 2025). The minimum wage and other worker protections are enforced by the following agencies in Illinois:

Chicago Office of Labor Standards

Cook County Commission on Human Rights

Illinois Department of Labor

In Chicago, additional protections including Paid Leave and Fair Workweek coverage will be updated for workers. 

Paid Leave: Payout for paid leave upon employment termination increases for Medium Employers (51-100 employees) from 16 hours to full payout (up to 56 hours). Workers can also now file civil cases for paid leave violations following a 16-day period for their employers to correct the issue. 

Fair Workweek: Workers who earn equal to or less than $62,561.90 (salary) or $32.60 (hourly) will now be covered by the Fair Workweek ordinance. 

A summary of Chicago updates can be found here.

An overview of Cook County laws and FAQs can be found here, and complaint forms here. 

A list of State of Illinois employment laws and rules can be found here, and IDOL FAQs here. 

“In Chicago, the minimum wage will increase to $16.60 for most workers, while tipped workers will be entitled to a minimum wage of $12.62 an hour starting July 1, 2025”, said Chicago Office of Labor Standards Director Miguel Campos. “Our top priority is to ensure that both workers and employers clearly understand their rights and responsibilities. By providing accessible education and resources on labor laws, we are laying the foundation for a fair, strong, and equitable work environment for all.” To view informational flyers, FAQ documents, and public notices on Chicago’s labor laws, visit Chicago.gov/LaborStandards.

“Effective July 1, 2025, the Cook County minimum wage remains $15.00 for non-tipped workers and $9.00 for tipped workers,” said Cook County Commission on Human Rights Director Jennifer King. “The Cook County Minimum Wage Ordinance also accounts for overtime pay, which provides a rate of time-and-a-half and will remain at $22.50 for non-tipped workers and $16.50 for tipped workers. We encourage you to check your next check to ensure you are being paid the appropriate wage. Employees who believe their employer is not paying the required minimum wage should first check to make sure they are working in one of these municipalities before filing a complaint with the Cook County Commission on Human Rights (CCCHR). Complaints can be filed with CCCHR via our online complaint form which can be found at cookcountyil.gov/CCCHR.”   

“In Illinois, the minimum wage is $15 an hour for all workers aged 18 and older,” said Illinois Department of Labor Director Jane Flanagan. “Every worker has the right to know they’re being paid what the law requires. That starts with reviewing your pay stub—employers must provide one every pay period. It must clearly list hours worked, pay rates, overtime pay, and any wage deductions.”

Any workers who have questions or believe their rights have been violated can contact and safely file a complaint with the above agencies directly, or reach out to Arise Chicago. Arise holds regular Worker Rights Workshops to inform workers of their rights under city, county, state, and federal laws.

**Arise Chicago and agency representatives are available for interview upon request.

 Arise Chicago organizes the collective power of working class immigrants in partnership

with faith communities to uplift all workers. Arise is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

###