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.
if you don’t tip, their employer has to by law. If not that’s wage theft and it is not the concern of the clients to enforce your rights for you.
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then the fight should be to fix that. “Wages getting stolen” and “the minimum wage is too low” are two separate issues.
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Blame the exploited for their exploitation and don’t acknowledge your part in it. You are a good American.
I am not american, I live in one of those countries where shit that can’t possibly ever work, according to americans, regularly does.
No, the client has no part in the exploitation.
You certainly have the attitude of an American, and the economic understanding of one too.
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I feel I have a right as it’s the culture I was born into, but still acknowledge it’s flaws (as do you, to be fair).
True some of us do try. Others glory in their lack of effort. Many of those are in this thread.