Chicago Residents Reject Mayor's Minimum Wage Hike

City Council votes to pause further increases to tipped worker minimum wage amid business closures and job cuts.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:04pm

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The Chicago City Council voted to pause further increases to the local minimum wage for tipped workers in restaurants and bars, reversing a previous ordinance pushed by Mayor Brandon Johnson. Polling has found that most Chicago residents disagree with the mayor's progressive agenda, including his battle for the 'One Fair Wage' law that led to the council's reversal.

Why it matters

The minimum wage hike has caused significant economic strain on Chicago businesses, leading to reduced hours, hiring freezes, and even closures. This highlights the tension between the mayor's progressive policies and the priorities of the city's residents, who appear to be rejecting the mayor's agenda.

The details

In 2023, Mayor Brandon Johnson led the battle for a 'One Fair Wage' ordinance that eliminated the lower minimum wage for tipped workers. However, the City Council voted this week to pause further increases to the tipped worker minimum, reversing Johnson's signature policy. Polling has consistently shown that most Chicagoans disagree with the mayor's priorities, despite his progressive agenda.

  • In 2023, Mayor Brandon Johnson pushed for the 'One Fair Wage' ordinance.
  • On March 23, 2026, the Chicago City Council voted to pause further increases to the tipped worker minimum wage.

The players

Brandon Johnson

The mayor of Chicago who led the battle for the 'One Fair Wage' ordinance that eliminated the lower minimum wage for tipped workers.

Chicago City Council

The city's legislative body that voted to reverse Mayor Johnson's 'One Fair Wage' policy and pause further increases to the tipped worker minimum wage.

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What they’re saying

“The escalating labor costs are causing employers to cut employee hours, reduce hiring and even close their doors.”

— Michael Saltsman

What’s next

The City Council's decision to pause the minimum wage hike will likely face further scrutiny and potential legal challenges from the mayor's office.

The takeaway

This episode highlights the growing divide between the mayor's progressive agenda and the economic realities facing Chicago businesses and residents, who appear to be rejecting the mayor's policies through the City Council's actions.