Mayor Brandon Johnson campaigned on a promise to eliminate the “sub-minimum” wage for tipped workers to level the economic playing field for wait staff working on the front-lines of Chicago restaurants.

On Wednesday, the mayor took a giant step toward delivering on the promise. But the celebration was tempered by concern about a loss of jobs, hours and tips.

By a 9-3 vote, the City Council’s Committee on Workforce Development signed off on a compromise that will give Chicago restaurants five years to absorb the 66% increase in labor costs.

It calls for tipped workers — currently paid $9.48 an hour, whichi is 60% of Chicago’s $15.80 minimum hourly wage — to receive 8% annual increases on July 1. That base pay will go up 8% a year on every July 1 through 2028. The minimum wage also is adjusted annually to match the cost of living.

“I want to thank our mayor for living up to the promises that he made on the campaign trail,” said Ald. Jessie Fuentes (26th), who negotiated with the restaurant industry on Johnson’s behalf.

“We cannot say that we want Black and Brown women to thrive. We cannot say that we want communities on the South and West Sides to be economically viable if we’re not willing to pay our people the minimum wage.”

When the “Fight for $15” was taking place, tipped workers were told by the hospitality industry, “You need to wait. It is not your time,” Fuentes said.

“Someone tell me when? They have the answer: Now. ... Our mothers, our families deserve security....

Read Full Story: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMijgFodHRwczovL2NoaWNhZ28uc3VudGltZXMu...