CHICAGO — Wal-Mart Stores Inc. got the go-ahead to build a second store in Chicago when the city council’s zoning committee approved the project.
Thursday’s vote came after Chicago union leaders said they’d reached an agreement with Wal-Mart that would bump pay above minimum wage at the new store, which is planned for the city’s South Side.
City officials say the store will bring jobs to the city, but they warned the retailer to live up to its wage agreement.
The Chicago Federation of Labor says starting Wal-Mart workers will be paid $8.75. Illinois’ minimum wage is slated to increase from $8 to $8.25 on July 1.
Labor leaders say they’ll use the concessions from Wal-Mart at other stores the retailer wants to build in the city.