IRA Members Testify on Tip Credit, Minimum Wage at City Council Hearing

Yesterday, more than 20 IRA members attended a Chicago City Council subject matter hearing on a proposed ordinance that would raise Chicago's minimum wage to $15 by 2021 and eliminate the tip credit. 

IRA President & CEO Sam Toia and several IRA operators shared their opposition to the current ordinance with members of the Committee on Workforce Development, instead urging the Council to take a more pragmatic approach with a longer roll out of a $15 minimum wage that maintains the tip credit for employers. 

“Eliminating the tip credit means employers will eventually be required to pay their tipped employees 144% more than current levels," said Toia. "The current system works for employees, customers and restaurants.”

Read more from Crain's Chicago and Eater Chicago.

Click here to contact your local Alderman and members of the Committee on Workforce Development to urge them to maintain the tip credit in Chicago.