What Wiser Waitress Wants
2012 wish list
- Just some basic respect. Please don’t call me “Kiddo” or treat me worse than your dog. Waiting tables is a real profession and deserves the same rights and dignity as other trades.
- A raise please!!! The federal sub minimum wage ($2.13 for servers) hasn’t been raised in over 17 years and the tip credit now exceeds 70%. The tip credit should be restored to 50% so servers can earn enough to at least cover income taxes and to help lower poverty levels in Southern States and other full tip credit states.
- My tip is going where? More Transparency!! Diners have the right to know what portion of their credit card tip is going to a bank or a credit card company instead of directly to the waiter.
- Enough is Enough! The Department of Labor imposes clear defined caps on the percentage a server may be required to contribute to a tip pool
- I don’t have to look anorexic or wear makeup to work at your restaurant. More states adopt laws that do not allow discrimination based on weight and/ are not allowed to impose unhealthy weight requirements as a condition for employment
- I wanna know who my Daddy is!! Will the government please be clear about who enforces the rules and provisions for taking the Tip Credit and start enforcing it already!
- Can you say TIP CREDIT? More State and Federal agents are hired and trained to understand the laws that protect the rights of tipped employees.
- Can I please have a sick day? More tipped and non tipped restaurant workers receive health insurance. Fewer than 14% of all tipped employees today receive health insurance provided and paid for by their employer. (Study “Broken Laws, Unprotected Workers” 2008) Also the public’s health safety is at risk as most sick servers still go to work because they can not afford to take the time off.
- Bone up People! I wish that more tipped employees would learn about the tip credit, their rights and speak up. Ignorance is NOT Bliss!
- Pass the feather! We find our voice and more media outlets are utilized to educate the public about the true working and social conditions of all servers.
- PLEASE PASS THE BUTTER! Maybe just a little bit of the $604 billion dollars in sales the restaurant industry generates annually could be spent on benefits for its workers.
- Whats in your wallet? I wish all Servers could be protected under the FLSA regardless if they swipe a credit card or not.
- A set schedule. Two days off in a row. A paid vacation. Wow, what a concept.
