Restaurant Owners, Employees Rally For Citywide Pay Increase In LA

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Restaurant employees Monday called on officials to consider a citywide pay increase in order to meet higher minimum wages.

Around 10 a.m., small-restaurant owners and employees gathered at Taix French Restaurant, and asked Mayor Eric Garcetti along with City Council members to consider a "total compensation" exception that would allow employers to provide higher wages to their employees by including any tips as a form of payment.

After the tips have been counted, if workers make less than the minimum wage, employers agreed to make up the difference.

"Restaurants have played a key role in the revitalization in Los Angeles over the past decade," restaurant owner Bill Chait said. "Today, we have a thriving food industry that we once only dreamed of. I am proud to be a part of this community, but I am also concerned for it's survival."

"Small Restaurants for Fair Wages." a group made up of more than 300 small and independent restaurants, proposed that employees who receive tips should be treated differently under wage-increase plans, as they often earn above $13.25 to $15.25 per hour.

Employees who do not receive tips are not nearly making as much as their co-workers, which is where the problem lies, the group explained.

During the meeting, they also offered to pay for a study to help provide insight into the wage hike proposals' effect on the restaurant industry. The group requested, however, to have the study completed prior to council members vote on the wage decision.

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