Originally Posted by
FirstInFlight
We tend to do a lot of handwringing over this issue. Customs vary across borders but, in the USA, there are certain waitstaff jobs where there is an expectation of tipping. In those jobs, the wage and hour laws allow the employer to pay a lower hourly wage - meaning below the usual minimum wage. But those employees must still earn at least minimum wage. So, if the tips don't occur as expected, the employer must make up the difference.
That actually raises the only interesting question on this thread. Aside from the point above this thread seems mainy a re-hash of pro-tipping and anti-tipping arguments made ad nauseum.
But the interesting question is: what types of food service establishments are considered by wage and hour law to be those where tipping is customary and thus employers are allowed to pay a sub-minimum wage hourly wage?
Casino buffets (mostly, but not entirely, self-service)?
Fast food restaurants?
Starbucks (there's always a tip jar)?
Etc.?