At least 10 Chicago aldermen push for minimum wage increase to $15

CHICAGO (WLS) -- At least ten Chicago aldermen plan to push for a raise for workers who are paid minimum wage in the city.

Those aldermen will introduce a new ordinance in City Council Wednesday. They want to bring the minimum wage up to $15 an hour.

The proposal is to phase in the rate over time - a two-year phase in for large corporations and a five-year phase in for small and mid-sized businesses.

Two weeks ago there was a protest in front of the Rock and Roll McDonald's in River North, where local workers joined a nationwide campaign to increase the minimum wage.

Many workers are only paid $8 an hour. Fast food chains said a pay increase would hurt business and ultimately cost jobs.

However, local aldermen who support the hike said boosting wages would stimulate the economy.

Mayor Emanuel is in favor of raising the minimum wage. But it is unclear if he will support a $7 increase for the city.

City Council meets at 10 a.m. on Wednesday.