Committee on Workforce Development meeting, May 12, 2026
- When: Tue, May 12, 2026, 12:30 PM (Chicago time)
- Where: 201A, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: Committee on Workforce Development
- Video: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1191586511
- Transcript: full text (8,177 words, automatic captions)
Meeting notes
AI-written from the transcript. Speakers are inferred from cues in the recording, so treat names as estimates and check the video at the linked time.
The Workforce Development Committee considered three items: approval of the Rule 45 report, a resolution urging Congress and the President to pass the Living Wage for Musicians Act of 2025, and an ordinance amending municipal code Chapter 6-105 on employer allowance minimums for tipped workers. The Rule 45 report and the musicians’ resolution were each approved by voice vote, and the ordinance substitute was adopted and later passed. Public comment included three speakers.
Topics: Rule 45 report approval, Living Wage for Musicians Act resolution, Amendment to municipal code Chapter 6-105 (tipped-worker wage), Public comment on wage and sanitation issues
Agenda items discussed
- 14:04 Approval of Rule 45 report: passed
- 14:23 Resolution R2026-0024901 – Living Wage for Musicians Act of 2025 (R2026-0024901): passed
- 29:16 Ordinance amendment 02026-0024043 – Modify timelines for employer allowance minimums for tipped occupations (02026-0024043): passed
Alderpersons who spoke
- Nicholas Sposato (alderperson): Asked whether royalty percentages are split among all band members or each individual musician receives a share. (22:25); Provided a point of information that the federal legislation already delineates percentages for featured and non-featured artists. (24:05)
- Andre Vasquez Jr. (alderperson): Moved to pass the musicians’ resolution. (28:44); Thanked the chair and the committee after the resolution passed. (24:50)
- Walter R. Burnett (alderperson): Introduced the substitute ordinance on tipped-worker wage timelines and explained its background. (30:11); Described the compromise reached with the Restaurant Association and One Fair Wage coalition. (32:50); Acknowledged the chair’s recognition and thanked colleagues for their work on the ordinance. (42:32)
- Marty Quinn (alderperson): Mentioned conversations with Aldermen Fuentes and Rodriguez while discussing the ordinance. (32:53); Thanked the chair and expressed congratulations to Alderman Walter R. Burnett for his work. (42:32); Stated that the compromise benefits his border-ward restaurants and thanked the committee. (43:06)
- Michael D. Rodriguez (chair): Declared the motion to allow remote participation by Alderperson Jeylú B. Gutiérrez as adopted. (3:31); Noted a question from Alderman Nicholas Sposato regarding the musicians’ resolution. (22:09); Provided a point of information responding to Alderman Nicholas Sposato about royalty distribution. (24:05)
- Anthony J. Quezada (alderperson): Moved to accept the substitute version of the ordinance on tipped-worker wage timelines. (29:42)
- David H. Moore (alderperson): Shared personal observations from his 17th Ward constituents about tip-worker concerns and expressed support for the ordinance. (43:23)
Exchanges between members
- 22:09 Alderman Nicholas Sposato asked the chair about how royalty percentages would be divided among band members.
- 24:05 Chair Michael D. Rodriguez responded that the federal legislation already delineates percentages for featured and non-featured artists.
- 30:11 Chair Michael D. Rodriguez recognized Alderman Walter R. Burnett and gave him the floor to discuss the ordinance.
- 42:32 Chair Michael D. Rodriguez recognized Alderman Marty Quinn after Burnett’s remarks.
- 43:12 Chair Michael D. Rodriguez thanked Alderman Marty Quinn and then gave the floor to Alderman David H. Moore.