Contact:

Nataki Rhodes

Nataki@onefairwage.org

Illinois

Since the pandemic, restaurant workers have been leaving the industry in droves. Our research reveals that 53 percent of restaurant workers surveyed are considering leaving the industry, 70 percent of whom are citing low wages and tips as their primary reason for leaving, and 78 percent of workers state that the only reason they would stay in the industry is if they received a livable wage with tips on top. In response to this staffing crisis, thousands of restaurants nationwide have raised their wages to get workers to attract and retain staff, but this measure is not enough. Through state campaigns, we are focusing on raising wages for tipped workers so that the 1 million restaurant workers who have left since the onset of the pandemic can return to an industry that fairly compensates essential workers.

In Illinois, we are gathering support for Bill HB5139. This bill will gradually eliminate the subminimum wage for tipped workers over three distinct periods. On July 1, 2023, the Illinois ‘tip credit’ will be reduced from 40 percent to 20 percent. On January 1, 2024, the tip credit will further decrease from 20 percent to 10 percent, and on January 1, 2025, the subminimum wage will be eliminated entirely and workers will transition to a $15 minimum wage with tips.

Research