Chicago Mayor Defends Veto of Tipped Wage Increase

Johnson links restaurant industry to 'slavery' as fight over minimum wage for tipped workers intensifies

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is defending his veto of a measure that would have halted the city's phaseout of the subminimum wage for tipped workers. Johnson has linked the restaurant industry to 'slavery' and is pushing for the elimination of the tipped wage, which he claims disproportionately impacts Black and Brown workers. Restaurant owners have pushed back, warning that the wage increase could drive up prices and cut jobs.

Why it matters

This dispute over the tipped wage highlights the ongoing debate around fair wages and worker protections, particularly for service industry employees who have historically relied on tips to supplement their income. The mayor's strong rhetoric and stance on reparations also adds a racial justice element to the issue.

The details

Chicago's City Council failed to override Mayor Johnson's veto of a measure that would have ended the city's phaseout of the subminimum wage for tipped workers. Johnson defended his position, claiming the restaurant industry has 'ties to slavery' and that the policy disproportionately impacts Black and Brown workers. Restaurant owners have pushed back, warning that the wage increase could hurt their already tight profit margins.

  • In June 2024, Mayor Johnson launched a Reparations Task Force and allocated $500,000 to the effort.
  • On April 17, 2026, Mayor Johnson made the comments linking the restaurant industry to 'slavery' while defending his veto.

The players

Brandon Johnson

The mayor of Chicago who vetoed a measure to halt the city's phaseout of the subminimum wage for tipped workers. Johnson has linked the restaurant industry to 'slavery' and is pushing for the elimination of the tipped wage.

Chicago City Council

The city council that failed to override Mayor Johnson's veto of the measure to end the phaseout of the tipped wage.

Chicago Restaurant Owners and Associations

Restaurant owners and industry groups that have pushed back against the city's phaseout of the subminimum wage for tipped workers, warning it could hurt their profit margins and lead to job cuts.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You just watched the entire city council in transparency try to take wages away from the very people who are part of an industry that has its ties to slavery is hiding from that. I am boldly declaring that we need reparations in this city, and that's why I'm funding it.”

— Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago

“Today, many Black workers, particularly women, continue to rely on tips and subminimum wages to support themselves and their families. The institutionalized reliance on tipping remains a uniquely American phenomenon, and Mayor Johnson is proud to be a leader in the movement to ensure working people across the country receive the dignity and respect they deserve in the workplace, and have the ability to support themselves and their loved ones in a system that has historically denied them fair and stable wages.”

— Spokesperson, from Mayor Johnson's Office

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.