Johnson vows veto of tipped-wage freeze in Chicago showdown

Mayor Brandon Johnson pledged to veto a City Council plan to freeze wage increases for tipped workers, preserving the 2023 One Fair Wage policy amid a split council vote that fell short of the override threshold. Proponents from restaurant groups say eliminating the tip credit hurts businesses and jobs, while workers and advocates argue higher wages combat wage theft and reflect workers' contributions. Johnson's aides cite data showing more restaurant licenses since the raises began, though several aldermen who supported the raises switched positions. The meeting also advanced other measures, including police accountability under the Welcoming City ordinance and a democracy-zone working group, and confirmed Susan Cappello to lead Animal Care and Control.