[redwitch]

One thing to remember is that servers have to "tip back" other employees -- the busboy, the hostess, the expediter, some even the bartender (who usually makes more in tips than the servers) and manager. Thus, that $7.67 becomes even less since another 10% minimum goes to others. There is something patently wrong with someone barely making minimum wage (if that) having to help pay the salaries of others.

When I was a server in high school and college, all tips were ours. If we wanted to give the busboy some extra money because of extra help, we did so as a choice, not a requirement. Also, we were able to decide how much to declare on taxes for tips. Did we cheat? Of course we did but it was the only way to get a decent wage. Today, the IRS takes an automatic 18% out for tips, based on meal tickets, not on the actual tips received. For every Gracie, there are three who think 10% is a great tip.

I've never been a big fan of unions but I can see the reasoning about having them for servers. Those in truly high-end restaurants are not going to want a union in. Those in the chain restaurants and mom and pop types might. However, are we willing to pay the higher prices for eating out this would require? There is no question who would be footing the bill?