(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – A state lawmaker is serving up a legislative proposal that would raise the “subminimum” wage currently paid to tipped employees like waitresses.
Sponsoring state Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas, D-Chicago, notes that the Illinois minimum wage is $13 an hour (higher in Chicago), while tipped workers get just under $8 an hour.
“The tips are supposed to make up for that, but that doesn't always happen," she said. "This legislation is trying to account for that and essentially trying to make servers whole."
Workers that make subminimum wage today would see their hourly wages phased upward to mirror the regular $15 minimum wage by 2025, according to an information sheet provided by supporters. The workers would continue to make tips, in addition to hourly wages.
Related
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram