Wage & Hour Laws

In many offices and places of business, people think discussing salaries is strictly taboo. Some are likely to feel uncomfortable with or fear retaliation for sharing how much they make. Despite their qualms, conversations about wages can promote fairness and...

For employees, understanding how employers leverage exempt status to control overtime is important. In some cases, companies misuse the status for the sole purpose of avoiding overtime pay. If you suspect that your employer has misclassified you as an exempt employee,...

In Chicago, many workers face challenges related to meal break violations. According to labor laws, employees should get a certain amount of break time, allowing them to rest and recharge during their workday. However, employees often find themselves working through...

The Illinois Department of Labor reported that workers have filed wage theft claims totaling over $194 million since 2017. Employees often wonder about their rights when it comes to their paychecks. One common concern is whether an employer can legally withhold pay...

According to the Economic Policy Institute, of workers questioned in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago, 12% reported having tips unfairly taken from them by their employer. One way this can happen is through tip pooling. Understanding the rules about tip pooling in...

In today's work landscape, many employees find themselves traveling for work both for their commute and possibly as part of their job duties. The question that often arises is whether this travel time is eligible for overtime pay. Coming to a conclusion in this matter...

Overtime pay plays a key role in compensating employees for time worked beyond standard hours. It not only rewards the extra effort but also serves as a financial incentive for employers to manage work schedules more efficiently. By requiring higher pay rates for...

Worker misclassification occurs when some employers classify their workers as independent contractors rather than employees. This practice is becoming increasingly problematic in the labor market. Employers misclassify workers for a variety of reasons. The practice is...

Undocumented immigrants in Chicago often find themselves in precarious work situations, where exploitation and wage theft are unfortunately common. Workers, regardless of immigration status, have the right to receive full compensation for their efforts. Undocumented...

Undocumented workers, despite their immigration status, possess certain rights and protections in the workplace. Section 4220 of the Illinois Administrative Code extends all employment rights to undocumented workers. However, asserting these rights can be challenging...