Therein lies the rub. If the debate can be refocused on the broader issue--the exploitation of staff--it is only then that we can even begin to discuss whether a `tip' ought to be voluntary (as in some countries in the world) or mandatory (as in the US).

As long as we are made to believe that tipping a certain percentage of the bill should be the norm, then the cycle of exploitation will continue, with owners paying a pittance to their staff, and passing on their remuneration responsibilities to the consumer. And as long as we continue to be conditioned to believe that a tip be mandatory rather than voluntary, we might as well also accept that paying to check in a bag when we purchase an airticket or paying a fuel surcharge on a ticket, also ought to be the norm. I dread to think of the day when we will consider it normal to pay a surcharge to use a bed when we pay for a hotel room!

As for me, I usually tip 15% of the bill, but in the full knowledge that continuing to do so will only perpetuate a far greater crime; the exploitation of servers by their employers. And servers, having internalized this system of exploitation themselves, will turn to consumers to support their livelihood, when in reality, they should be directing their ire at their employers.

But I would rather much have a system where employers pay their employees well, consumers pay for food and beverage as per the tariff indicated on the menu, and proffer a tip on a voluntary basis as something extra for services well-rendered. This would be fair by all parties concerned. Any other system, I believe, only serves the interests of restaurant owners.