Letter Sparks Debate Over Tipping Low-Wage Workers
-
The letter writer has decided to stop tipping, except at restaurants, believing low-paying jobs are the economy's way of telling people to find better jobs.
-
However, the response argues low-wage workers don't set wage levels and provide essential services, so the letter writer is blaming the wrong people.
-
Over 70% of Americans feel pressured to tip more often, causing frustration, but service workers rely on tips to supplement low wages.
-
The problem is wrongly taking out frustration on powerless workers rather than companies with the ability to pay better wages.
-
Average annual salary for waitstaff is $33,020, with 10% paid under $8.77 per hour, so punishing them by not tipping is misdirected.