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I see that they've passed the initiative to raise the wages of tipped workers to the standard minimum wage of $15 an hour by 2025. The burning question I have is thus: Does this mean I need to no longer tip in DC restaurants? I don't live in DC, but other states are considering such measures as well, and it's only a matter of time before this goes nationwide.
If tipped workers are making a "living wage," there's no need to tip them extra, correct? Or if they do insist on being tipped, does that mean restaurant prices won't go any higher? What are people supposed to do in the interim, when wages are going up, but have not reached the $15 level? Tip 10-15% at first and then down to 5% as wages approach the $15 level?
One thing is 100% for certain. If restaurant prices go up, AND I'm required to tip, I will NOT eat out. Ever. I refuse to pay twice. I sure hope restaurant owners know this. I'm perfectly content to eat my own cooking for the rest of my days if this "double charging" comes to past.
Check the news reports. Most of the workers OBJECTED to the change.
The actually competent waiters and bartenders prefer tips.
I read about that - odd that it passed anyhow. I wonder if a second referendum will be called for to reverse it.
In any case, I get the sinking feeling that restaurant owners will use this opportunity to jack up prices to the sky - as if eating out isn't expensive enough already.
Well, at least I know how to cook. I'd better get used to not eating out now, and put the savings toward something else, like traveling to other countries where prices are a bit more reasonable...lol.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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Here in Seattle the minimum wage is $15 but people still tip the same as before. That $15 is not a "living" wage here, and is probably not in DC either. Yes, it will cost more to eat out, the restaurants have to make a profit so will pass on the additional labor cost. In some cases we see slower service due to layoffs to make that cost savings.
......... I get the sinking feeling that restaurant owners will use this opportunity to jack up prices to the sky - as if eating out isn't expensive enough already. ............
Well, yes, if their labor costs triple, they are going to have to raise prices to cover that cost.
It's not just salaries. Unemployment, disability insurance, and social security payments are % based, so if wages triple, those taxes also triple.
I don't know what people are going to do about tipping. Leave a nice note saying "congratulations on your recent pay raise?"
If tipped workers are making a "living wage," there's no need to tip them extra, correct?
i would say that tipping wouldnt be expected at that point. i am not their employer; i never should have been involved in determining their compensation to begin with.
I read about that - odd that it passed anyhow. I wonder if a second referendum will be called for to reverse it.
In any case, I get the sinking feeling that restaurant owners will use this opportunity to jack up prices to the sky - as if eating out isn't expensive enough already.
Well, at least I know how to cook. I'd better get used to not eating out now, and put the savings toward something else, like traveling to other countries where prices are a bit more reasonable...lol.
Follow the money to find out why it should be unsurprising that it passed. Do you think the taxes they pay will be more, less or the same after the full change to $15?
I have never been a waitress or a bartender, but my mom was her entire life. It's a very physical job and not easy to do! Even if the minimum wage goes up, it's still a service job and I was always taught to tip for good service so I will continue to do so.
i would say that tipping wouldnt be expected at that point. i am not their employer; i never should have been involved in determining their compensation to begin with.
My sentiments exactly. Somehow the demand by the employee (who agreed to the hire wage) held the consumer hostage to pay their wage difference. Glad to see sanity has been restored to proper pay. Now a simple transaction of please and thank you will suffice.
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