Jul 17, 2006 6:57 pm US/Central
Ministers Oppose Proposed Big Box Ordinance
West, South Side Clergy Say Communities Need Jobs
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
Ministers on Chicago South and West Sides are making another push to persuade the City Council not to approve a living wage of $10 an hour.
It's called the Big Box ordinance, and it would have a big impact on employers such as Target and Wal-Mart.
The ministers say their communities desperately need the services and the jobs the big retailers bring with them.
They say a $10 minimum wage would keep Big Box stores out of the city.
"I cannot understand why the City Council is going into the collective bargaining business and actually fighting a union battle," said Bishop Arthur Brazier with the Apostolic Church of God.
The City Council could vote on the minimum wage proposal next week. Supporters say the money will help people who need it the most.
Target has already said if the ordinance passes, it will dump plans for more stores in Chicago.
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