Tipping Service Industry Minimum Wage Unfair Business Employers Service – Yes
Tipping.my hat to the "service industry" business owners!
Let me clarify one thing right off the bat: I have been on both sides of the "table". In other words, I've been the service provider, as well as, the service receiver on many occasions. My rant is directed more to the "service industry" concept at large.
What factors determine whether or not a business is in the "service industry" (where tipping is considered appropriate, if not expected)?In my opinion, if there is a customer involved (and I believe ALL businesses have this particular element) then there is "service". However, most employers are required to pay minimum wage, in accordance with federal guidelines. For some reason, certain "service" related industry employers are exempt from these guidelines and pay the absurd wage of $2 and something cents an hour (which, by the way, is the exact same amount I earned twenty years ago, if that. * More on that in a moment).
Why should the restaurant or bar owner be permitted to rely on the public (customers) to pay the remaining "balance" of their employee's wages?Hell, I would certainly appreciate that little arrangement as an employer.
- TWENTY YEARS, folks! The average pay for waiting tables has not seen an increase of even a dime over the past 20+ years! At least minimum wage is increased every 10 years or so, even if it isn't much. On the other hand, we all know the prices for those meals and drinks, etc.(SERVICES) have increased considerably and, trust me, this usually does not have a trickle down effect. The "server" rarely benefits enough from increased prices to make a difference.
How does one qualify for exemption from paying minimum wage?
Would you tip your electrician if she did her job professionally and efficiently? (Yes. I said "she" there are a few of us.) How about the sales clerk in the mall assisting you with your shopping and fitting room needs? What about the grocery store cashier? How do the "services" provided by your friendly waitress differ from any other service you pay for?
Imagine the results if doctors, attorneys, police officers, firefighters, etc. were forced to rely on tips from the public they serve. Kind of seems ideal. Could be strong incentive for providing good service. There would be a lot of happy consumers, I'm sure.(Not to mention some extremely pleased and filthy rich employers who now only pay a fraction of what the government deems appropriate earnings for tax purposes.) I, personally, would welcome the idea of my doctor being more inclined to provide adequate, perhaps even quality, care (aka service) in the hopes of receiving a generous tip from me, the customer. (More so than worrying about my dinner being served quickly enough and with a smile.) Imagine paying what you, the consumer, feel is fair and appropriate for the quality of services provided.
GREAT IDEA!?
No! I do not have enough faith in John Q Public to "do the right thing". Why do our "service industry" folks have to? Why do they have to hope their tips will be enough to raise their earnings to a fair level? Surely, we all know there are people who simply will not tip, regardless of the quality of service they receive. Yes, there are also many who are more than a little generous. I assure you the former (cheapskates) outweigh the latter.
Would you be motivated to do your very best, go the extra mile, basically ensure absolute customer satisfaction, when history has proven you will not always be rewarded? After being shortchanged enough, it gets harder to believe your efforts will be appreciated. Now, when your very livelihood depends upon that "appreciation", bad attitudes are inevitable. Customer favoritism is also a natural response.
Bottom line: Why do we continue to allow the practice of consumers paying wages for certain, "service industry" business owners?
Of course, until, the rules are fair and require all to pay minimum wage (which is ridiculous in and of itself), I will continue to tip what I feel is appropriate.Nevertheless, I think I will be writing to my lawmakers and such, demanding explanation and reform!ENOUGH!
