Chicago Servers: Speak Up!
On Wednesday, September 20th, the Chicago City Council will hold a hearing on whether to eliminate the city’s tipped wage, which would upend the city’s tipping system. Servers and bartenders need to attend this hearing and raise their voices in opposition to this harmful policy. Included below are logistical details about the hearing dates, as well as some pointers on crafting your testimony. If you have any questions, email me at JoshuaRChaisson@gmail.com.
What are the details?
Date: Wednesday, September 20th
Location: Chicago City Hall. Enter City Hall at 121 N. LaSalle Street.
Arrival time: Meet at 8:30 am. Press conference is at 9am, and the hearing begins at 9:30am.
When you arrive: Someone will greet you at the door. You’ll take the elevator up to the third floor of City Hall, where someone else will direct you to the correct room for the press conference.
How long will it last: The hearing begins at 9:30am, and may run for 2-3 hours. Plan to be there at least through lunchtime. Bring a light snack and a beverage in your bag.
What if I can’t make it: We would love to see you at the hearing. But if you absolutely cannot make the hearing, please send written comments by 10am on Tuesday September 19th (the day before the hearing) to this email: CommitteeOnWorkforceDevelopment@CityofChicago.org
What should I say?
You’ll have three minutes to speak.
If you’ve never testified before, we understand that it can be intimidating. Don’t be afraid! The only thing you need to do is tell your story. Here’s a short video of servers in New York telling their stories.
You can either write out your testimony in advance what you’d like to say, or bring a notecard with some bullet points.
If you need more data, check out our FAQ page above.
Here are some pointers for your testimony:
Start by introducing yourself, and tell the Council how long you’ve worked in the full-service restaurant industry. Tell them what kind of restaurant you work at.
Tell them why the restaurant industry is important to you. Do you like being around people? Does the schedule work well with personal obligations? Do you like coming home each night with tips? The Council needs to hear it.
If you need inspiration and want to hear the stories of some other employees, you can do so here: https://ourindustryourvoice.com
Tell them why the current tipping system works for you. How much do you earn on a typical evening? What is your average hourly take-home? Some on the City Council believe that the current system exploits employees. If you disagree, tell them so!
Tell them that you do not support a drastic policy change that would negatively impact the tipped wage and tipping system. Tell that that, in other cities where this has happened, many restaurants have adopted service charges that lead to less take-home pay for workers. Ask them to leave the current system alone.
Remember: Be respectful. Even if you’re angry, don’t yell or shout at members of the Council. Exhibit the same level of hospitality you would show to a guest.