I was flying this past weekend and decided to use the shower at the new EWR club. (As a side note, very much appreciate that there is a United (non-polaris) club that has showers). I was surprised that there was a tipping jar and that the attendant openly solicited for a tip when signing in to use the shower. It is rare to see this behavior (solicitation for a tip to shower) based off my experience at both Polaris lounges and international lounges. In general, our tipping culture here in America is out of control...tip for takeout food is the one that really gets me

I have a my lifelong habit of tipping a $1-2 per drink ordered (depending on the complexity/price of the beverage) and I have applied this to United Clubs as well. I am reevaluating though. My understanding is that United Club bartenders/servers are not paid like those in restaurants since their employment is at the airport. To remind everyone for those who question tipping waiters in normal setting restaurants and this is quoted from the department of labor:
"A tipped employee engages in an occupation in which he or she customarily and regularly receives more than $30 per month in tips. An employer of a tipped employee is only required to pay $2.13 per hour in direct wages if that amount combined with the tips received at least equals the federal minimum wage. If the employee's tips combined with the employer's direct wages of at least $2.13 per hour do not equal the federal minimum hourly wage, the employer must make up the difference. Many states, however, require higher direct wage amounts for tipped employees."

I am just so fed up with the tipping culture and OUR perpetuation of it (realize this is a very AMERICAN thing) that maybe I'll stop tipping at United Club bars...curious to hear thoughts and what people's habits are? And do people actually tip shower attendants?? I saw some money in the jar..