The United States is one of the few countries where tipped workers are paid a minimum wage that is less than enough, which in some cases is as low as $2.13 per hour. Tipped minimum wage is where tips make up for the money that they aren’t given, this makes it so that workers earn at least the minimum wage. In my opinion, this system is old and it creates economic and social problems between communities. It is time to change the tipped minimum wage.
Making employees rely on tips makes workers’ incomes unpredictable which means that they will not be able to constantly rely on their income to plan out their life. Tips vary due to factors like seasonal demand, customer volume, and individual generosity, forcing many workers to live paycheck to paycheck without any time or break to plan for the future.
On top of the economic issues, employers can intentionally or not exploit their employees. Employers are supposed to make sure tipped workers earn at least the minimum wage with tips, but enforcement is weak. Many workers are forced to do unpaid tasks, like cleaning or side work, during non-tipped hours. Examples of this could be closing a restaurant or store, these are times when there aren’t opportunities for tips, and yet the employers can still pay you a smaller wage with no consequences.
New York lawmakers and politicians want the elimination of tipped wages. they are being inspired by wins in this department in Chicago and DC. As more and more tipped wages are getting removed there is more momentum for change in how the minimum wage in our country is set up.
DC has gotten rid of the tipped minimum wage. they make it so employers have to pay all workers the full minimum wage. In DC tipping is still a voluntary thing where it is not mandatory. this allows for it to be a bonus for good work rather than a part of your wage. some people say that getting rid of tipped minimum wage will cause closures and force restaurants to run on tighter budgets, however, the industry has been successful and it has stayed stable.
getting rid of the tipped minimum wage is not just about improving economic fairness but also about making sure everyone has equal opportunities to succeed. By forcing employers to pay all workers a fair, livable wage, it will allow us to get rid of poverty, and create a more fair and sustainable economy. Tips should be a reward for good service, not in exchange for a living wage.
I think that Congress and state legislatures have to take action to get rid of the tipped minimum wage. It’s time to end this awful practice and make sure that every worker, regardless of their industry, earns a fair wage for their labor.
