By Capitol News Illinois
An advocacy coalition is once again pushing for legislation requiring employers to pay their tipped employees a base wage at least equal to the minimum wage.
Under current Illinois law, employers can pay their employees as low as 60 percent of the minimum wage as long as the worker’s tips make up the difference. In 2024, the statewide minimum wage is $14 per hour and the tipped minimum wage is $8.40.
In October 2023, Chicago City Council leaders passed the “One Fair Wage Ordinance” to increase tipped workers’ salaries by 8 percent each year until it reaches Chicago’s minimum wage of $15.80. One Fair Wage wants to pass similar legislation statewide.
At a news conference outside the Illinois State Capitol Tuesday, One Fair Wage leader and restaurant worker Corrine Terrell said the Chicago ordinance is helping support her family.
“Well to be honest, I think since it passed in Chicago the workers are happier. We don’t have to work as hard to make as much money,” she said. “We have more time with our families. It’s easier to save now. At first, I was only able to afford bills and food, now I can afford other things for my family.”
One Fair Wage leader Saru Jayaraman said legislative leaders could introduce the legislation by Friday.
