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I only learnt about a couple years ago, that some waiter and waitress jobs get below minimum wage from their employer, something like $1.5 per hour. Tips make up the rest. For this kind of structure, I think tips in the 20% would seem reasonable (otherwise I think 20% tips, as some restaurants suggest on the bill, is too high.)
My question is do ALL waiters and waitresses make this wage? And what are some of the borderline jobs such as coffee shop workers? How do I tell who makes $1.50 hourly wage?
I think most waitstaff and service personnel in the United States works for tips. (a shame, really)
The U.S. has a bizarre government-imposed system that bans servers from sharing tips with cooks, dishwashers and other staff who do not interact with customers and at the same time allows restaurants to pay waiters just $2.13 per hour because they are expected to make up the difference with the federal minimum wage. But they DO get paid minimum wage IF their tips do not equal or exceed minimum wage. So, the frequent assertion that waiters "do not make minimum wage" is a myth. Federal regulations see to this.
If a restaurant owner’s waitstaff’s tips, when added to their wage, does not equal or exceed minimum wage, the employer must make up the difference. By denying tips, you are denying the opportunity for a waiter’s income to exceed the minimum wage. Seven states have made their minimum wage and tip wage the same.
The others, who don't work for minimum wage but still ask or expect tips are pure opportunists. However, most people are so anxious and uninformed about who and why should get tips, that they are willing to tip just about everyone who asks for it.
Yes, the majority do. When I waited tables I made about $2 an hour. I never received a paycheck, it all went to taxes. The only money I put in the bank was tips.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by elnina
I think most waitstaff and service personnel in the United States works for tips. (a shame, really)
The U.S. has a bizarre government-imposed system that bans servers from sharing tips with cooks, dishwashers and other staff who do not interact with customers and at the same time allows restaurants to pay waiters just $2.13 per hour because they are expected to make up the difference with the federal minimum wage. But they DO get paid minimum wage IF their tips do not equal or exceed minimum wage. So, the frequent assertion that waiters "do not make minimum wage" is a myth. Federal regulations see to this.
If a restaurant owner’s waitstaff’s tips, when added to their wage, does not equal or exceed minimum wage, the employer must make up the difference. By denying tips, you are denying the opportunity for a waiter’s income to exceed the minimum wage. Seven states have made their minimum wage and tip wage the same.
The others, who don't work for minimum wage but still ask or expect tips are pure opportunists. However, most people are so anxious and uninformed about who and why should get tips, that they are willing to tip just about everyone who asks for it.
In reality a lot of places do not follow those laws, just like a lot of places hire undocumented workers under the table. Speaking from family experience. I hope people don't assume that if they don't tip the employer will make up the difference, they often don't.
I really dislike posts like this. Like because someone "needs" tips, therefore I should tip more. It doesn't work that way. I tip for service. Someone's unhappiness with their wage structure isn't my problem. Want more? Step up the service. If you "can't", then I won't be tipping much, and if that's gonna put you in the poorhouse, maybe consider another line of work.
Those who are so unhappy about how waitstaff are paid are free to move to Europe, where they're "paid a fair living wage". That's reflected in the price you'll pay, but hey... you're getting what you want!
I really dislike posts like this. Like because someone "needs" tips, therefore I should tip more. It doesn't work that way. I tip for service. Someone's unhappiness with their wage structure isn't my problem. Want more? Step up the service. If you "can't", then I won't be tipping much, and if that's gonna put you in the poorhouse, maybe consider another line of work.
Those who are so unhappy about how waitstaff are paid are free to move to Europe, where they're "paid a fair living wage". That's reflected in the price you'll pay, but hey... you're getting what you want!
Mr. Pink never tipped. I do, when and as warranted. Which is most of the time and 20%
But I'm not giving out money to someone who does a bad job because I'm supposed to somehow feel bad for them.
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