Chicago City Wire

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson marked International Workers’ Day by reflecting on the significant achievements made by Chicago's working people during his first year in office. The Mayor emphasized the vital role of workers in the city, stating, "Working families are the beating heart of Chicago."

Acknowledging the dedication of Chicago's workforce, Mayor Johnson expressed immense pride in representing and serving the city's workers and families. He highlighted his administration's unique focus on prioritizing workers, making it the first of its kind in Chicago's modern history.

One of the notable accomplishments of Mayor Johnson's administration is the passage of the Chicago Paid Time Off ordinance, which doubles paid time off for approximately 1.4 million workers in the city. Alderman Mike Rodriguez, the ordinance's sponsor, described it as a crucial step in supporting working people and enhancing the local economy.

Additionally, Mayor Johnson championed policies benefiting teachers and service workers, including providing 12 weeks of paid parental leave for Chicago teachers and spearheading the One Fair Wage ordinance to eliminate the subminimum wage over the next five years.

Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Commissioner Kenneth J. Meyer emphasized the positive impact of these initiatives on the financial stability and working conditions of Chicago's workforce, noting that the changes empower workers to contribute more to their communities.

To ensure the effective implementation of these ordinances, Mayor Johnson increased staffing in the Office of Labor Standards and appointed Bridget Early as the City’s first Deputy Mayor of Labor Relations. These efforts have helped resolve labor disputes and finalize agreements, such as the FOP contract and negotiations between the Chicago Parks District and SEIU Local 73.

Looking ahead, Mayor Johnson expressed gratitude to Chicago's workers and affirmed his commitment to continuing to work collaboratively to uphold the dignity and respect of all working families in the city in the upcoming year.