Title: The Impact of Tipping: Why Generosity Matters in the Service Industry
In today’s global service industry, the impact of tipping on workers is a topic that deserves attention. We have all been in situations where we have received service that did not meet our standards, leaving us questioning whether a low tip is appropriate. However, it is crucial to understand the true purpose of tipping and its significance in supporting workers in the service industry.
National etiquette expert Diane Gottsman, founder of The Protocol School of Texas, emphasizes that tipping should never be seen as optional. It is an integral part of the service. Many workers in the industry rely on tips to supplement their low hourly wages and make a living. By tipping, we are not simply providing workers with a treat for good service, but rather contributing to their livelihoods.
According to Restaurant Workers United, a union representing restaurant, bar, and cafe workers, tipped workers often face financial insecurity due to the unreliable nature of their income. While some individuals working in high-volume bars and fine dining establishments may make decent money from tips, the majority struggle to meet their basic needs. This is particularly true for tipped airport service workers, such as wheelchair attendants and baggage handlers, who may receive fewer tips from travelers unfamiliar with tipping customs.
Jaime Contreras, executive vice president of 32BJ Service Employees International Union (SEIU), highlights the challenges faced by tipped airport workers at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. With their low wages, they heavily rely on the generosity of customers who may not be aware of the financial difficulties these workers face. This lack of understanding makes it important for us to tip generously and support these workers who sustain the travel industry.
Tadesse Tadege, a tipped worker in guest services at D.C.’s Marriot Marquis and a member of Unite Here Local 25 union, shares his personal experience of the widening income gap between tipped and non-tipped employees. Tadege explains that with the rise of rideshare apps and the decline in the use of taxis, tips have decreased, affecting the income of workers like himself. Many of these workers are forced to work multiple jobs to bridge the financial gap created by insufficient tips.
Joining a union has made a significant difference for Tadege and others in similar situations. Unite Here Local 25 has been fighting for fair wages and better working conditions for its members. Tadege encourages others to join unions, emphasizing the strong support they provide.
It is essential to establish a tipping culture where generosity is the norm, regardless of the quality of service received. Diane Gottsman suggests tipping between 15 to 20 percent, leaning towards the higher end to acknowledge the struggles faced by service workers. However, it is important to consider individual circumstances, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, where many are still recovering financially.
While tipping is customary in most service contexts, it is discretionary in certain situations. Gottsman explains that quick service exchanges, like those at coffee shops, can be similar to tip jars—discretionary and not obligatory. On the other hand, there are situations where tipping is considered unacceptable, such as curbside workers in many grocery stores who receive regular hourly wages.
To address the inherent flaws in the tipping system, some restaurants have taken the bold step of eliminating tipping altogether. However, this approach comes with its own challenges. Drawing on the experience of restaurants like those owned by Danny Meyer, eliminating tipping has proven difficult. It often requires replacing tips with automatic service charges or increasing menu prices, both of which come with their own set of drawbacks and resistance from customers.
Unions across the nation continue to advocate for higher wages, better benefits, and more reliable scheduling to improve the lives of service workers. The conversation about tipping ultimately requires a collective effort where workers have the power to demand desired changes in the industry through organization and solidarity.
In conclusion, understanding the impact of tipping on workers is crucial in creating a fair and sustainable service industry. Tipping should not be optional or seen as a reward solely based on service quality. It is a vital means of supporting workers who rely on tips to make ends meet. By tipping generously and advocating for fair wages, we can contribute to a more equitable service industry that recognizes the value of the workers who serve us.
