- cross-posted to:
- news@lemmy.ca
- cross-posted to:
- news@lemmy.ca
Summary
Tipping in U.S. restaurants has dropped to 19.3%, the lowest in six years, driven by frustration over rising menu prices and increased prompts for tips in non-traditional settings.
Only 38% of consumers tipped 20% or more in 2024, down from 56% in 2021, reflecting tighter budgets.
Diners are cutting back on outings, spending less, and tipping less. Some restaurants are adding service fees, further reducing tips.
Worker advocacy groups are pushing to eliminate the tipped-wage system, while the restaurant industry warns these shifts hurt business and employees.
Key cities like D.C. and Chicago are phasing in higher minimum wages for tipped workers.
I see a thing as worth a certain number of wage-hours. When the number of wage-hours doubles, but the thing still brings the same essential value to me, as my own wage stagnates, why would I pay a “i feel bad that you also are a wage slave” premium on top? Fuck that. Tipping is an absurd politeness. If those workers are fed up with being underpaid, they should be looking to their bosses, not at my broke ass who just wants food on my break. If they want the tips they have come to expect to be part of their wages, they should look at congress, not my broke ass who just wants a decent haircut.