Trending Now - NYC Officials Propose Minimum Wage Hike Amid Business Concerns
WHO:
President Trump, Mayor Zohran Mamdani of New York City, Moe Chan (business owner), Melissa Fleischut (president of the New York State Restaurant Association), Sean Hayden (restaurant owner), Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago, Raeghn Draper (bartender), Sam Toia (president of the Illinois Restaurant Association), Eric Williams (owner of Bronzeville Winery), Gina Barge (co-owner of Wax Vinyl Bar and Ramen Shop), Chicago City Council members.
WHAT:
New York City officials proposed a minimum wage hike to $30 per hour.
The proposal is part of Mayor Mamdani's "$30 by ‘30" campaign pledge.
Business owners expressed concerns that a $30 minimum wage would lead to job cuts and increased prices.
Chicago City Council voted 30-18 to freeze future increases of the tipped wage for service workers at $12.62.
Mayor Johnson plans to veto the ordinance to freeze the tipped wage increase.
In 2023, Chicago became the largest city to begin phasing out the tipped wage structure, aiming to match the full minimum wage by 2028.
A survey indicated that 89% of full-service restaurants in Chicago increased menu prices since the latest tipped wage increase.
WHERE:
New York City, New York.
Chicago, Illinois.
WHEN:
The Senate debate regarding the minimum wage hike occurred on March 18th, 2026.
The Chicago City Council vote to freeze the tipped wage increase occurred on March 18th, 2026.
The minimum wage for tipped workers in Chicago is set to match the full minimum wage by 2028.
WHY:
The minimum wage hike in New York City is intended to help workers afford living in the city.
Supporters of the tipped wage phase-out argue it is vital for workers in industries where tips are not guaranteed.
Opponents of the tipped wage phase-out claim it has led to higher menu prices and staffing cuts.
HOW:
The New York City proposal follows a model similar to Los Angeles, with an incremental increase to $30 by 2030.
The Chicago City Council's ordinance to freeze the tipped wage was passed through a vote.
(UPDATED March 19, 2026 15:15 UTC)
In a significant move, New York City officials, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani, have proposed a minimum wage hike to $30 per hour as part of the "$30 by ‘30" campaign, aiming to help workers afford living in the city. Meanwhile, the Chicago City Council voted 30 to 18 to freeze future increases of the tipped wage for service workers at $12.62, although Mayor Brandon Johnson plans to veto this ordinance, which follows Chicago's initiative to phase out the tipped wage structure by 2028. A recent survey revealed that 89% of full-service restaurants in Chicago have raised their menu prices since the last tipped wage increase, raising concerns among business owners about potential job cuts and further price hikes.