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Elk Grove Village considering its own minimum wage plan

Elk Grove Village leaders are seeking input Tuesday about a minimum wage plan that would increase hourly pay by less than a Cook County ordinance effective in July.

The proposal is a departure from other suburban Cook County communities that have opted out of the new wage increase and sick-leave rules, including Barrington, Mount Prospect and Rosemont. A week ago, Arlington Heights leaders, who were expected to also opt out, delayed a vote after residents rallied outside village hall in support of the county's wage hike.

Cook County's ordinance gradually increases the minimum wage to $13 an hour during the next three years. The first increase to $10 an hour is effective July 1. Illinois' minimum wage is $8.25 an hour.

Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson proposed raising the minimum wage to $8.75 an hour July 1 and to $9.50 an hour Jan. 1, 2018. The minimum wage would increase by 2.5 percent or the cost-of-living adjustment - whichever is lower - each year starting Jan. 1, 2019. Minimum wage for employees age 18 and under would be 50 cents per hour less.

Another new county ordinance requires businesses provide one hour of sick leave per 40 hours of work, which equals five days a year. Johnson proposed five days of sick leave a year instead of requiring employers to track each employee's hours.

The proposal has fewer regulations than the county's ordinances. For example, employers wouldn't be required to submit documentation. Instead, the village would enforce the ordinances based on complaints and provide back pay and fines for violations.

The village is not scheduled to vote on the minimum wage increase Tuesday, but residents will be invited to talk about the issue at the start of the meeting. Johnson has said he wants to vote on a plan by April. The village could decide to opt out of the county's ordinances.

"Elk Grove Village has always believed in partnering with our business community, and partnership means taking the time to hear and understand their concerns," Johnson said in a news release Friday.

"We believe it is important to get a full perspective on this issue before taking any action."

The meeting is 7 p.m. Tuesday at village hall, 901 Wellington Ave.

Elk Grove proposes minimum wage increase, sick leave rules

Arlington Hts. board delays its minimum wage vote

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