(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – Illinois state lawmakers are taking a look at a bill to eliminate the so-called subminimum wage for workers, such as servers, who depend on tips to make up the difference.
Saying it’ll hurt business, Illinois Restaurant Association President Sam Toia debated the sponsor, State Rep. Lisa Hernandez (D-Cicero). Toia said the average tipped worker in Illinois makes more than $28 an hour.
“No one makes subminimum wage,” Toia insisted.
Hernandez said there are some restaurants that are not making up the difference if employees don’t make enough in tips.
“That’s why we have reports of wage theft. It continues,” she said.
People with opinions on both sides of the issue crowded a hearing room in Springfield Wednesday for the 90-minute debate.
HB 5345 has passed the House Labor and Commerce Committee. Hernandez said there should be negotiated agreement about the measure before it hits the House floor.
Chicago already has passed an ordinance to phase out the subminimum wage in the city.
The state subminimum wage is now $8.40 an hour, with the minimum wage $14 an hour.
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