How about just ONE FAIR WAGE, and we stop having a separate minimum for tipped workers? Because having businesses pay employees under $3 an hour is unconscionable when $3 can't even buy a happy meal. That would be a workable solution based on the arguments JVL outlines about how the reality of tipped workers severs the normal relationship between employer and employee.
I think it is a sad fact that a fair wage in today's environment could drive small dining establishments out of business, especially those without a liquor license, which I suspect but do not know is the majority.
How about just ONE FAIR WAGE, and we stop having a separate minimum for tipped workers? Because having businesses pay employees under $3 an hour is unconscionable when $3 can't even buy a happy meal. That would be a workable solution based on the arguments JVL outlines about how the reality of tipped workers severs the normal relationship between employer and employee.
I think it is a sad fact that a fair wage in today's environment could drive small dining establishments out of business, especially those without a liquor license, which I suspect but do not know is the majority.
Maybe in the very short run. Then the market would equilibrate.
Real estate rents would probably drop. Restaurant prices would increase. Restaurants would likely reduce selection in their menus.
It would become a lot more like the restaurant market in Europe, which I think could work well.