Originally Posted by
billycorgan
such excuses.
The bottom line is that servers haven't had a raise in their minimum wage in 15 years which is why you have seen an increase in tipping percentage from 10% to 15-18%. I know many people that would be pretty upset if they didn't get a raise in 15 years. Because as you all know the cost of living in 2011 isn't the same as in 1996. .
that would be a valid arguement if wages were your primary source of income but lets say or use a Full Time waiter doing 40 hours per week..
he would have in wages 40 hrs * 2.13 or $85.20 in gross wages vs $145 in gross wages at $3.625 per hour. The delta being $60 a week or being shortchanged 41% of wages adjusted for inflation... for a
FT waiter.. while I wouldn't want to lose $60 a week in anything it is not such a big deal in total compensation including tips
Now I'll use round numbers here > but for when tip income is added to the inflation of meal/drink prices compared with 1996.. I'm guessing the employee has not really lost out on all that much.. if I paid $25 for a meal and drink in 1996 and am paying up to $40 for that meal now.. my tip has just moved from $2.50 in 1996 to $4.00 today; that should account for the difference in the minimum wage adjustment. Since most people tip in the 15% range.. that number is more like $3.75 in 1996 to $6.00 today..
I only see a loss in total compensation if prices do not increase. Its safe to say that restaurant prices have increased since 1996.