Legal Question in Employment Law in Illinois

I recently got a job as a housekeeper with a corporate maid service. They require five full days of "training" for which they pay $75 - and they only pay if you pass a final test and are hired. This amounts to being paid around $2.50 an hour. Is this legal?


Asked on 2/12/11, 7:18 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Betty Tsamis Tsamis Law Firm PC

I'm very familiar with the cleaning industry and wide spread labor law violations we have seen. What you describe above is totally improper. Illinois employers must pay employees at least minimum wage for all hours where service on behalf of the employer is performed by the employee.

Minimum wage in Illinois is $8.00 per hour for those individuals who are 18 years and older. Employees who do NOT receive tips may be paid $7.50 for the first 90 days with employer. However, It doesn't sound like this scenario applies to you.

Tipped employees must be paid minimum wage, but an employer may take credit for the employee�s tips in an amount not to exceed 40% of the wages. What you have decsribed above is unalwful and if this is a wide spread practice, it could be the basis of a class action for violation of overtime laws. Please contact us for more information at 312-909-1219 or go to www.tsamislaw.com.

Read more
Answered on 2/13/11, 1:20 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Labor and Employment Law questions and answers in Illinois