One thing to remember is that if you ask a GOOD server if they would be willing to give up tipping for a better-than-minimum wage, the majority will say no. If they are in an area where the average tip is 18%, they have regular customers, they get all of their tips even though they're still tipping out other staff, they're ahead of the game. A good server in a decent restaurant making decent tips usually makes $10-15/hr.
The problems are in areas like TV where the average tip is anything but 18% and where the work is actually seasonal rather than steady year-round.
As to the solution. There isn't an easy answer but if all restaurants were required to pay the minimum wage, then all restaurants would be raising their rates accordingly rather than just the restauranteur who wanted to be fair to employees. You might lose some customers, but it won't be to the competition. At the very least, servers should not be required to subsidize their co-employees. Those not receiving tips should be paid at least a minimum wage. Tips should not be pooled -- if you do a lousy job, there's no reason you should be rewarded at the expense of your co-worker who hustles to keep customers happy.
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Army/embassy brat - traveled too much to mention
Moved here from SF Bay Area (East Bay)
"There are only two ways to live your life: One is as though nothing is a miracle; the other is as though everything is a miracle." Albert Einstein
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