City officials 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, including an estimated 42,000 who are receiving their first increase under the ordinance. 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. BACP is hosting a free workshop “Everything You Need to Know about Upcoming Ordinances,” on August 10, 2016, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. 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.