You showed up for training, sat through the videos, filled out the paperwork and maybe even stayed late to finish onboarding, but your paycheck left those hours out. That might seem like a small mistake or something you shouldn’t question, but when your employer makes you attend training and refuses to pay for that time, they likely violate Illinois wage laws.
When the law says you should be paid for training
The law makes it clear: when your employer requires training, schedules it during normal hours or uses it to help you perform your job, they must pay for that time. Illinois follows the Fair Labor Standards Act, which protects workers in situations exactly like this. Even if your first shift hasn’t started yet, required training still counts, and your paycheck should reflect that.
When your employer might not have to pay you
Some narrow exceptions exist, but most hourly workers won’t fall into them. Your employer doesn’t have to pay if the training is truly optional, happens outside your regular hours and doesn’t directly relate to your job or continued employment — and all of those conditions must apply. Most of the time, they don’t, no matter how your employer tries to frame it.
What to watch for if you think something’s off
Watch out for red flags like being told, “We’ll pay you once you’re on the schedule,” or “This doesn’t count as work time.” If your employer asks you to show up early, attend a “voluntary” meeting that no one skips or complete online modules before your first day, they may be withholding pay you’ve already earned.
Even if the training feels informal or doesn’t happen in the workplace, it still counts if your employer expects you to do it. When they benefit from your time and effort, the law often considers that work, and work deserves pay.
You gave your time, don’t let them take it for free
If you went through training because your employer asked you to, then you’ve already done your part, and they should compensate you for it. Whether it took an hour or a full week, your time matters, and the law doesn’t give employers the freedom to decide which hours count.
When something about your paycheck doesn’t sit right, it’s worth taking a closer look. Help exists, and resources are available to make sure your time and your pay get treated with the respect they deserve.
