Chicago mayor vetoes City Council decision to freeze wage increases for tipped workers

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Wednesday vetoed the City Council's decision to freeze tipped wages in the city.

The One Fair Wage ordinance, passed two years ago, gradually raised tipped workers to full minimum wage.

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Last week, City Council voted to freeze that increase.

Mayor Johnson called that "shameful."

But restaurant owners insist they're operating on slim margins, and too many are closing because of high costs.

Right now, the hourly wage for tipped workers is $12.62/hour.

Chicago's minimum wage is $16.60 for employers with four or more employees.

Mayor Johnson says active food business licenses have gone up by more than 1,400 since One Fair Wage took effect.

"We can ensure our workers have the support they need and grow business in our city," Johnson said. "And, for these reasons, I will continue to act in my full authority and ensure that this ordinance does not see the full light of day."

City Council's vote was only four votes shy of reaching the threshold needed to avoid a veto by the mayor.

This is the mayor's third veto in office.

Former Mayors Lori Lightfoot and Rahm Emanuel never issued one.