Chicago aims to boost pay for thousands of restaurant workers

Advocates hail potential for historic moment' as city council bill bids to increase pay from $9.48 an hour for tipped employees

The latest battle to raise the minimum wage for workers who rely on tips is set to kick off on Wednesday in Chicago with a bill being introduced in the city council that will boost pay - as labor activists herald the potential for a historic moment" for thousands of restaurant workers.

A step-change is in the air for the city, which has a culinary scene of national renown and is taking advantage of fictional depictions such as Chicago being the setting for the popular TV food drama The Bear, as well acting as host for the annual James Beard Awards.