Jul 21, 2006 5:15 pm US/Central
Big Box Ordinance Divides Pulpit, Politicians
Supporters Want Minimum Wage For The Working Poor, Critics Think Ordinance Would Chase Away Jobs
by Derrick Blakley
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
A passionate showdown is on over the proposed big box ordinance in Chicago.
Supporters say raising the minimum wage would help the working poor.
Critics say it would chase away their lifeline to new jobs.
As CBS 2's Derrick Blakley reports, both sides shouted each other down Friday at City Hall.
"We do not want jobs where you work 40 to 45 hours a week and still remain in poverty," said St. Sabina's Rev. Michael Pfleger.
At a City Hall news conference with ministers supporting a living wage law, clergymen were drowned out by living wage opponents. It's just the latest example of a high-stakes controversy that's divided black ministers and politicians.
"We need jobs now, and if those jobs will pay us $8, $9, $10 an hour, we want the jobs," said Rev. Leon Finney Jr. with the Metropolitan Apostolic Church.
A new Target store opening Sunday pays about $7.50 an hour. But if passed, starting next July, the big-box ordinance would mandate $9.25 an hour in wages and a $1.50 in benefits.
Last month, Lula Moore got hired at the new Target. She's already quit.
"I have a family to take care of ,so the money they're paying is not going to work for me," Lula Moore said.
But retailers are threatening to kill 25 big box stores planned for Chicago if the ordinance becomes law.
"What's going on here is nothing short of blackmail," living wage sponsor Ald. Joe Moore said.
In the meantime, retailers led by Wal-Mart are placing newspaper and radio ads, and they're recruiting ministers to sponsor large church rallies.
"I don't know how the clergy wakes up from saying their prayers and then says, the lord wants me to defend Wal-Mart today," said Rev. Marshall Hatch of New Mount Clergy Church.
In addition to Wal-Mart, the big-box ordinance would also affect Target, Sears, Home Depot, Nordstrom's, and Marshall Field's.
The City Council is scheduled to vote on the ordinance next Wednesday.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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