Quote:
Originally Posted by redwitch
Most servers work as such because they are the only jobs they can find. Few want this as a career choice. Yes, it's their fault they're unskilled and probably uneducated but that doesn't mean they should be exploited. Yes, they are well aware that they depend on tips to survive and that their employer is not going to pay them the minimum wage, let alone a living wage. However, how many jobs do you know where you have to help pay the wages of your co-workers? Most servers do and it comes out of their tips. So, even if this bill becomes law, servers still will not be making the minimum wage. Show me another industry today in the United States where it is possible to LEGALLY work for less than the minimum wage on a regular basis.
If the legislature really wants to help servers, how about making it illegal for servers to have to start early to do prep work or stay late to clean up and be off the clock for that period? How about forcing employers to pay support staff the minimum wage and not force servers to pay tip-backs? This bill serves no one but the big chains.
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When you talk about helping to pay the wages of co-workers, are you referring to pooling tips?...If so, I agree wholeheartedly with you on that. I've always been disappointed with restaurants that do not allow their servers to keep their own tips. It takes away the incentive for personal excellence.
From a business standpoint, companies are always looking for ways to reduce expenses and they shouldn't be regarded as evil or being "the big bad wolf" for doing so. They are in business to make a profit. Some people seem to think that making a profit is wrong or evil. Any business that doesn't keep a close eye on their bottom line will not survive long,.....then no one will have a job there. And I don't see where it's a bad thing when a company is looking for ways to legally pay less taxes. They would be foolish not to, and yet some people seem to think that these companies have an inexhaustable source of money to give to the government or employees. Here is a news bulletin,....your employer is not in business to provide you a living, not primarily,.... That may be a benefit to you for working there. They are in business to make a profit for themselves. If people are too naive to understand this, then private sector business is doomed in our country.