If you have ever considered pursuing a career in the restaurant industry, particularly as a waiter or a waitress, it is important to know that it comes with its own set of difficulties. Dealing with tough customers who are impatient and disrespectful can be a real challenge. Not to mention, the physical demands of being on your feet all day can be exhausting.
However, one of the biggest issues faced by these workers is the low pay. In the United States, restaurant owners are allowed to pay their employees less than the federal minimum wage because they are expected to rely on tips for a significant portion of their income. In fact, in 21 states, servers are paid only $2.13 an hour before tips.
According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, nearly 15% of the nation’s 2.4 million waiters and waitresses live in poverty, compared to about 7% of all workers. These hardworking individuals are more likely to need public assistance and less likely to have access to paid sick leave or health benefits.
Unfortunately, there are customers who are so rude that they decide to leave little or no tip for the waiter or waitress who served them. This was the case for Taylar Cordova, a waitress who received no tip on a bill totaling $187.43. The standard 15% tip would have given Cordova $28.11. Outraged by this disrespectful treatment, Cordova took to the internet to share the bill and raise awareness about the challenges faced by these workers. Her post has since been shared more than 12,000 times.
Cordova’s caption on the post read: “This. This is the reason I work so much. This is why I cry in the shower. I struggle to put clothes on my daughter’s back and food in our bellies because of THIS. You are the lowest of the low. Whenever you feel like it’s probably fine to not tip your server, that’s one more bill stacking up because they’re short on money. This is food for the week that our families will go without because you didn’t think it was necessary, even after asking for everything under the sun and receiving it free of charge, mind you. This is one less basic necessity my daughter needs because even TWO more dollars is too much for you.”
It is important to remember that servers are generally paid a very low base pay, ranging from $2 to $5 per hour depending on the employer. So, the next time you consider not tipping, regardless of the quality of service, think about how much you would have to work that week on such low wages to provide for your family. Can you imagine paying your bills and feeding your family with such a meager income? Choosing not to tip has a significant impact on the livelihoods of these hardworking individuals.
Fortunately, there may be hope for servers in the future. According to Eater, seven states, including New York, have already increased or eliminated the lower tipped minimum wage, and seven more are in the process of doing the same. This change is necessary because, by the end of this year, 12.9 million people will work in the restaurant industry, accounting for 10% of the U.S. workforce, according to the National Restaurant Association.
Let’s spread awareness about the challenges faced by restaurant industry workers. Share this article with your family and friends to make a difference.