CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s compromise plan to raise the city’s minimum wage is moving forward, but advocates for workers who earn tips are not happy.Lightfoot’s plan would raise Chicago’s minimum wage to $15 dollars an hour by 2021. But, tipped workers would still earn a lower amount, ostensibly balanced by the tips they make.
Clodaugh Lawless, one of the owners of The Dearborn Tavern, a family business, applauded the plan. But Nataki Rhodes, who represents restaurant employees, insisted lower-wage workers can’t make ends meet. Meantime, Sam Toia, President of the Illinois Restaurant Association, says his group supports Mayor Lightfoot’s compromise.
The City Council Budget Committee approved the arrangement on Monday. It moves to a vote before the full City Council Wednesday.