This week marks the first phase of the elimination of the tip credit. With the holiday, the timing is ironic. At a moment when we celebrate the nation’s independence, the restaurant industry in Illinois fears for its survival.
We urged lawmakers to see that the elimination of the tip credit would result in thousands of workers losing their jobs. During discussions with Chicago legislators regarding the elimination of the tip credit, it became clear that many passionate supporters, while well-versed in political rhetoric, lacked a comprehensive understanding of the existing tip credit law and its practical implications. Since the City Council’s vote, new data has surfaced.
Our warnings fell on deaf ears in Chicago. Instead of humility for the passage of a mistake, there are calls for victory laps around the tip credit implementation.