Chicago City Council approves $13 minimum wage

New York - The City Council of Chicago has approved a boost in the minimum wage, gradually raising it to $13 an hour by 2019. The vote was pushed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who faces a reelection vote in February.



The plan raises Illinois' $8.25 rate – which is $1 higher than the federal rate – in small increments. It will get raised to $10 next year, and then increase by amounts of of 50 cents and $1. City officials estimate more than 400,000 Chicago workers will benefit.



Only five of Chicago's 50 aldermen voted against the proposal. Two are small business owners, including Alderman Tom Tunney, operator of Ann Sather restaurants. He and others, including the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, opposed a hike, warning it would put Chicago businesses at a disadvantage.



Earlier this year, Seattle officials approved a phased-in $15 wage. In California, San Francisco voters approved a $15 in November.