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Things to know on Chicago’s new $13 minimum wage

Sam Toia, center, president of the Illinois Restaurant Association, leads Aldermen, merchants, and business leaders in a news conference voicing opposition to a proposed increase of Chicago's minimum wage to $13 an hour Monday, Dec. 1, 2014, in Chicago. Chicago is set to become the latest U.S. city to raise its minimum wage, as Mayor Rahm Emanuel fast-tracks a politically popular plan to reach $13 per hour amid his bid for a second term and criticism that he's out-of-touch with working people. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) Sam Toia, center, president of the Illinois Restaurant Association, leads Aldermen, merchants, and business leaders in a news conference voicing opposition to a proposed increase of Chicago's minimum wage to $13 an hour Monday, Dec. 1, 2014, in Chicago. Chicago is set to become the latest U.S. city to raise its minimum wage, as Mayor Rahm Emanuel fast-tracks a politically popular plan to reach $13 per hour amid his bid for a second term and criticism that he's out-of-touch with working people. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

By Associated Press December 2, 2014 3 min read

CHICAGO (AP) – Chicago’s minimum-wage workers will earn $13 an hour by 2019 under a plan the City Council approved overwhelmingly on Tuesday. Pushed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the change makes the nation’s third-largest city the latest to raise its rate. Still, opponents worry about the impact on business.

Here are some things to know about Chicago’s minimum wage hike.

THE PLAN

The Chicago plan raises Illinois’ $8.25 rate – which is $1 higher than the federal rate – incrementally. It’ll get bumped to $10 next year, later increasing by steps of 50 cents and $1. City officials estimate more than 400,000 Chicago workers will benefit.

THE TIMING