City Council debates mayor's 'big-b
September 13, 2006
BY ASHLEY M. HEHER ASSOCIATED PRESS
Chicago's City Council members met Wednesday to battle over whether to override Mayor Richard Daley's veto of the so-called "big-box" ordinance that would require mega-retailers in the city to pay their workers higher wages.
As religious leaders held a prayer service and with rallies planned throughout the day to protest Daley's veto, city council members explained why they changed their votes and now support the mayor in what promised to be a contentious hearing.
"I changed my mind because it is obvious that this thing is not inclusive," said Alderman George Cardenas. "It is not for everybody."
The veto on Monday was Daley's first in 17 years in office. The council approved the ordinance 35-14 in July and the measure requires large retailers to pay workers at least $10 an hour plus $3 in fringe benefits by mid-2010. The rules would only apply to companies with more than $1 billion in annual sales and stores of at least 90,000 square feet.
The minimum wage in Illinois is $6.50 an hour and the federal minimum is $5.15.
Major retailers, including Target and Wal-Mart, have opposed the plan, saying it puts an unfair burden on them to operate within one of the nation's largest cities. Some companies have shelved development plans for some Chicago locations pending the outcome of the debate.
Alderman Todd Stroger said Wednesday he still supports the ordinance.
"Companies that make a lot of profit need to share those profits with their employees and they should try to make sure that they can pay them a wage that's livable and give them some type of health insurance," said Stroger. He is running for Cook County Board president to replace his father, who stepped down after suffering a major stroke.
Aldermen who support the ordinance need 34 votes to override the mayoral veto.
Daley has angrily defended his position, saying the measure will cost the city jobs and hurt people, but supporters say the "living wage" will help employees.
The debate will likely be a campaign issue for Daley and city aldermen who face re-election bids in February.
Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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