(WBBM NEWSRADIO) —Some Chicago restaurant owners say they need help from Mayor Lightfoot to get more people to apply for open jobs, as pandemic restrictions are lifted.
Roger Romanelli of the Chicago Restaurants Coalition on Thursday said the city should set aside $10 million in its estimated share of $2 billion in federal COVID-19 relief aid.
The city could pay $1,000 bonuses to people who agree to take jobs at city restaurants or small businesses, he said.
The employees would have to stay for at least three months and work an average of at least 15 hours a week.
Romanelli also hopes the mayor will resume full in-person learning at Chicago Public Schools by June 1 so that parents with children in summer school will have an easier time returning to work.
The restaurant group’s proposal comes as businesses continue to say they are having trouble filling jobs, now that the pandemic is easing.