News Article:
Papa John’s Customers Raise Concerns about Tip Distribution Among Employees
Tipping has become a common practice in the food industry, extending beyond waiters and bartenders to include counter staff. However, recent claims by a Papa John’s customer have raised concerns about where those tips actually go. In a viral TikTok video, user @Marthare48 states that at Papa John’s, the tips don’t go to the minimum wage employees but instead go straight to the managers. While the video has garnered over 329,000 views, @Marthare48 did not disclose her source of information or whether she referred to tips for delivery drivers or those collected at the till.
This is not the first time such claims have surfaced. Two years ago, a Reddit user named KitKatzun complained about managers pocketing tips at Papa John’s, despite himself earning only $8.70 an hour and receiving none of the tips collected at the store. Other users weighed in on the issue, with some stating that it was not a standard practice. However, a comment by a user with the handle Ashkeravon suggested that while franchisees could determine tip policies, non-franchised locations typically distributed tips to employees working the counter.
The lack of clarity surrounding Papa John’s tipping policy has prompted questions about its legality. According to attorney Sachi Clements, under federal law, employers are not permitted to retain any portion of an employee’s tips for themselves or allow managers and supervisors to take part in tip pools. However, the definition of managers and supervisors remains ambiguous. Those with the authority to hire and fire employees, discipline staff, set wages and hours, and make important decisions on behalf of the company are not allowed to share in tip pools. Unfortunately, some employers label low-level employees as assistant managers or shift supervisors without granting them the authority associated with such titles.
The TikTok video’s claim that all the tips go to the manager has gained attention due to its inflammatory nature and potential impact on consumer behavior. Some customers even joked in the comments about not tipping or refusing to pay their bills altogether. Such concerns suggest a need for clarity and transparency regarding Papa John’s tip distribution practices.
Papa John’s website does not provide any specific information about the company’s tipping policy. The Daily Dot has reached out to Papa John’s for comment to shed light on the situation.
In conclusion, while both TikTok and Reddit users have shared accounts of managers retaining tips at Papa John’s, it is essential to approach these claims with caution. The law clearly states that employees, not the company, are entitled to tips. Yet, the ambiguous definition of managers and supervisors may allow for some discrepancies in practice. Ultimately, Papa John’s should strive to clarify its tipping policy and ensure that tips reach the deserving employees.
