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The Council unanimously passed a bill on first reading that would raise the minimum wage in D.C. to $11.50 by 2016.

There will be a final vote on the bill later this month. Under the proposal, the minimum wage would rise to $9.50 in July 2014, $10.50 in 2015 then $11.50 in 2016. After that, minimum wage hikes would be tied to the Consumer Price Index.

Mayor Vincent Gray said he supports raising the minimum wage to $10 immediately, but no further automatic hikes. To make the bill veto-proof, at least nine Councilmembers must vote for it.

Not part of the legislation is a base wage hike for tipped workers. Instead, businesses would have to certify that they are paying a tipped credit that brings the $2.77 base wage up to whatever the regular minimum wage is. Councilmember Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3) introduced separate legislation today to address raising the tipped minimum wage.

The Council also unanimously passed an amendment to the Earned Sick and Safe Leave Act that will provide paid sick days to restaurant workers.