EVANSTON (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Evanston city council is considering a proposal to require that some retailers to provide hazard pay to employees who worked during the pandemic.
Alderman Devon Reid raised the idea after a new city council and mayor were sworn in.
He wants Evanston to require that some retail workers be paid $4 or $5 more per hour in hazard pay.
"I specifically drafted the language to impact Target, Jewel, Whole Foods, CVS, Walgreens, the larger retailers...those corporations have had record-breaking profits during the pandemic," he said.
Two aldermen, Peter Braithwaite and Melissa Wynne, raised concerns.
"I think the ideas are wonderful and bold..." Ald. Braithwaite said, but there was a need for time to discuss it with business owners.
Ald. Melissa Wynne suggested referring the proposal to a committee.
"This is something that requires a thorough community discussion," Ald. Wynee said.
The vote was 5-4 to put the item on the agenda for the next council meeting on May 24. The four aldermen who voted against it were Alds. Braithwaite, Wynne, Nieuwsma, and Revelle.
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