Advocate health announces $15 minimum wage by 2021
Some 10,000 to 15,000 Advocate Aurora Health employees will see their pay increase over the next three years as the health system announced Thursday it will offer a $15-per-hour minimum wage by 2021.
Starting next year, minimum wage workers will be paid $13 an hour, according to a news release. Minimum-wage employees will see a $1 spike in pay in 2020 as well, officials announced.
"Competitive wages are just one aspect of the comprehensive approach we've taken to compensation and benefits," said Kevin Brady, the health care system's chief human resources officer. "Other key components of total compensation include education assistance, a retirement savings program, discounted medical and drug coverage and career advancement initiatives. We know that if our team members feel this is the best place to work, our patients will feel this is the best place to entrust their health and wellness."
The system is a network of 27 hospitals and 500 outpatient clinics in Illinois and Wisconsin.
Locally, the pay hikes affect employees at Advocate Condell Hospital in Libertyville, Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge and Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin.
Illinois' minimum wage is $8.25, but Chicago and Cook County set $13 minimums by 2019 and 2020, respectively. Many Cook County suburbs opted out of the increase, but Gov.-elect J.B. Pritzker backs a phased-in $15 statewide minimum.