Fair pay: Receive the applicable minimum wage and payment for all hours worked.
Overtime: Time-and-a-half pay for hours worked over 40 in a week.
Current minimum wage: $15/hour for workers over 18; $13/hour for workers under 18.
Tipped workers: Base minimum wage is $9/hour; with tips, total earnings must reach at least $15/hour.
Workplace equality: No discrimination based on race, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, age, origin, etc.
Safe workplace: Right to a safe and healthy work environment.
Collective action: Right to organize and participate in workplace improvements as protected by law.
Rest breaks and meals: 24 hours of rest per week; a 20-minute meal break if you work more than 7.5 hours (starting no later than the 5th hour); right to an additional break if you work more than 12 hours.
Pregnancy: Right to reasonable accommodations such as additional breaks or physical assistance.
Workers’ compensation: Receive approximately 66% of wages and payment of medical expenses if injured on the job.
Paid leave (PLAWA): Earn 1 hour for every 40 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year; usable after 90 days of employment.
Equal treatment for temporary workers (TWFSA): Equal pay and benefits as permanent employees if assigned to the same job for more than 90 days.
Minimum Wage in Chicago and Cook County (2025–2026)
In the City of Chicago, employees have the right to accrue paid leave according to the current local ordinance.
In Chicago, workers earn one (1) hour of paid sick leave and one (1) hour of general paid leave for every 35 hours worked. Each type of leave can accumulate up to a maximum of 40 hours (equivalent to 5 workdays) per year.
To be eligible, an employee must have worked at least 80 hours for an employer within the City of Chicago over a 120-day period. This generally applies to full-time, part-time, and temporary employees.
Employers are required to grant this leave in accordance with the law and cannot require employees to find a replacement to cover their absence while using leave.
In total, an employee can accumulate up to 10 days of paid leave per year (5 sick days and 5 general-use days). These are earned progressively based on hours worked and may be used in accordance with local regulations.
Workers United is dedicated to protecting and advancing the rights of working people. We advocate for fair wages, safe workplaces, and equal opportunities, empowering workers to stand together and create lasting change in their communities.
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