City Council urged to shield Chicago's independent restaurants from wage hikes

Chicago’s Editorial Board urges Aldermen to force a floor vote on the tipped-minimum-wage policy, arguing that raising servers’ pay to 84% of the city minimum threatens independent restaurants and jobs; restaurateurs seek a compromise that keeps tipping in line with overall wages, while Mayor Johnson has shown little willingness to revisit the issue. The piece suggests the Council act to restore business confidence and cites Washington, D.C., as a reference point.