Wage & Hour Laws

Remote work has become common across many industries. To accommodate this shift, Illinois wage laws provide specific protections for remote employees.    These laws ensure that workers receive fair pay, overtime and reimbursement for certain expenses related to...

Illinois law protects workers from pay discrimination, but proving it requires strong evidence. Keeping detailed records can help workers fight for fair wages. Understanding wage discrimination Employers must pay workers fairly for equal work. The Equal Pay Act of...

The FLSA establishes a federal minimum wage that employers must pay to covered employees. As of January 2025, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. However, Illinois has set a higher minimum wage.  As of 2025, the Illinois minimum wage is $15 per hour for most...

Wage theft occurs when an employer fails to pay workers the wages they have earned. Undocumented workers in Illinois have protection from this behavior under state wage and hour laws. This can include unpaid overtime, failure to meet minimum wage requirements or...

Worker misclassification happens when employers label employees as independent contractors instead of employees. This mislabeling allows companies to avoid providing benefits like overtime pay, health insurance, and workers' compensation.  In Illinois, such practices...

The gender pay gap remains a significant issue, with women consistently earning less than men for the same work. Despite legal protections, this disparity has long-term consequences for women's financial health, impacting everything from retirement savings to...

Many stories about unreasonable employers circulate online – from employees who work exhausting days without breaks to those who have to come in on their day off. It’s a reality many workers across the U.S. face. But is it legal? Here in Illinois, the answer is...

Undocumented workers face significant challenges when they fight for their rights in the workplace. However, when employers fail to pay fair wages, these workers may wonder if they can join class-action lawsuits for unpaid wages. Understanding their rights is crucial...

Employee misclassification is a common problem that affects workers' rights and earnings. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employees have protections like minimum wage and overtime pay. When employers misclassify workers, these rights can be lost. This...

Unfair pay occurs when workers receive less compensation for the same or similar work compared to others. In Illinois, various laws protect employees from unfair pay practices. Understanding what qualifies as unfair pay can help workers recognize when employers may...