Chicago’s One Fair Wage legislation requires dining establishments to pay $15.80/h to tipped workers
Known for its culinary excellence and an array of dining places, Chicago, the third most populous city in the country, might do away with subminimum wages for tipped employees in restaurants.
Mayor Brandon Johnson has been an advocate of the bill and is expected to sign it into law today if the City Council passes the One Fair Wage legislation.
It requires dining establishments to pay $15.80/h (matching the city’s minimum wage) for tipped workers like bartenders and servers. Currently, they make $9.48/h plus tips. If passed, Chicago will be the latest to join the list of cities that have abolished tipped minimum wage for restaurant employees.
Having a minimum wage guarantee helps employees who rely on irregular tips from customers.
But restaurant owners disagree. They say it will further strain the business, forcing them to increase menu prices—which might drive away customers.