Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Veto Stands: Chicago’s Tipped Workers Minimum Wage Freeze Remains Unchanged

In a decisive move on Wednesday, the Chicago City Council was unable to overturn Mayor Brandon Johnson’s veto concerning a proposed halt on the upcoming minimum wage increase for tipped employees.

The council’s vote on this matter, tied to the One Fair Wage ordinance passed in 2023, resulted in a 30-19 outcome.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Restaurant owners have expressed that these wage increases are negatively impacting their financial stability.

To successfully override the mayor’s veto, his opponents required at least 34 votes, a threshold they did not meet, leaving the veto in place.

The Illinois Restaurant Association voiced their discontent, stating, “We are disappointed by the mayor’s decision to veto the tip credit freeze. However, we remain hopeful that the 60 percent of the Chicago City Council who supported our operators and servers will collaborate with us to find a viable solution. We urge the mayor to heed the concerns of the 30 aldermen who heard from numerous servers and operators across the city, emphasizing the necessity of supporting these establishments. With thin margins and high risks, inaction could lead to more closures, eroding the unique character of our neighborhoods. We seek a genuine effort from the administration to devise a sustainable resolution. Despite the lack of sufficient support to override the veto, the majority of the City Council recognized the urgent need for immediate action. We hope Mayor Johnson acknowledges this broad support and works towards a strategy that genuinely aids our restaurant workers, small businesses, and all 77 communities they serve.”

In addition, the City Council is set to discuss a significant increase in taxi fares within Chicago.

The mayor is bumping up the cost of cabs by 20%, in both per mile and time charges.

It also includes new fees for rush hour and overnight rides and higher flat rates from airports to downtown.

It passed out of committee on Monday.

Alderman Gil Villegas was named chair of the Zoning Committee Wednesday, as well.