Chicago Unpaid Wages Attorney

Employees are protected by federal and state employment and labor laws, which are in place to ensure companies treat and pay them fairly. Illinois companies and employers who engage in illegal, manipulative, or dishonest practices must be held accountable. If you have unpaid wages or your employer is withholding payment, we believe you should be compensated for your losses. Contact The Zoldan Law Group, PLLC to schedule a free consultation today.

Why Choose Our Chicago Employment Lawyers?

• We have an in-depth understanding of wage and hour laws, and can assist you through the claims process for your unpaid or withheld wages.
• You deserve the representation of a reliable lawyer, who can administer high-quality and highly effective legal counsel to combat wage theft.
• We prioritize personalized service, by examining each case individually and providing the attention it requires.

Potential Wage Claims

You may have a claim for non-payment or the withholding of wages if your employer has failed to pay you:

• Minimum wage.
• For breaks required by law, or has not allowed you to take them.
• Time spent on “off-the-clock” work.
• For the length of time it takes to put on or take off safety or other work-related gear or uniforms.
• For untaken, or accrued vacation time (if your employer provides vacation benefits).
• Time-and-a-half overtime pay for hours worked over the legal straight-hour maximum, which is 8 hours in a workday and 40 hours in a workweek (with some exceptions).
• For work-related travel time during the workday.
• Withholding a final paycheck.

Cases involving non-payment and wage theft are not always cut and dry. A Chicago employment lawyer can help assist you in figuring out whether your employer’s conduct is a violation of state or federal law.

Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act

The payment of Illinois employees is governed by federal law, as well as state law under the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act (“Act”). The Act regulates the procedures of how an employee should be paid, when an employer may deduct from an employee’s wages, when and how an employee must be paid final compensation, and penalties for any violations. The Illinois Department of Labor assists in enforcing these rules.

The minimum wage in Illinois is $9.25 per hour, as of 2020, for employees who are 18 years and older. Those under the age of 18 may be paid at the rate of $8.00 per hour, but not any less. Individuals who live in Chicago, however, receive a higher minimum wage in the amount of $13.00 per hour. An employer can be held liable for any unpaid wages if there is a failure to pay an employee at or above these rates. In addition, they may be responsible for paying interest on the amount owed, penalties, and the employee’s attorney fees incurred while attempting to recover their wages.

There is an exception to this law when it comes to tipped employees. Tipped employees must receive at least the minimum wage, but an employer can elect to pay only $6.40 per hour. The employee’s tips can then be used as up to 40% in credit to equate to the minimum wage amount.

Consult an Unpaid Wages Attorney

Do you believe you are a victim of wage theft? The Zoldan Law Group, PLLC can assist you with recovering your unpaid wages including overtime wages and final paychecks, by either filing an official complaint with the Illinois Department of Labor or pursuing a lawsuit in court. We will fight beside you and help you hold your employer responsible for their actions. To discuss your case in greater detail with an Chicago unpaid wages lawyer from our team, fill out our contact form or call (312) 980-9992 to schedule a free consultation.