4 ms·

Minimum wage can still be underpaid, depending on the area the worker lives in. That's why there's been recent discussions about increasing the minimum wage.

• alistairSH 11y ago
  Certainly, but that's a different discussion, and isn't unique to food services.
  • ZenoArrow 11y ago
    It's the same discussion, as I was referring to "underpaid" in terms of a living wage, instead of "underpaid" in terms of an illegal wage. Also, what you suggested could only work if the restaurant owners knew how much their staff were being tipped, and for tips that go directly to the waiters that's not likely to be available information.
    • alistairSH 11y ago
      Of course they know. Employees are required to report their tips amounts, as the employer is required to withhold SS/Medicare and pay any shortfall. What you are claiming is the entire industry is breaking the law - I suppose that's possible, but I find it unlikely.
      • ZenoArrow 11y ago
        > "What you are claiming is the entire industry is breaking the law" No, that's not what I'm claiming. I'm claiming that 'minimum wage' does not necessarily mean 'living wage', and it is a lack of a living wage which increases the social pressure to tip. If all employees in the US were paid a living wage then the need to tip would decrease.