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- French Fries – How Do I Eat Them?There are many foods that present a classic dilemma for diners young and old. The question is, “fork or fingers?” The answer is sometimes definitive – you definitely eat your peas and mashed potatoes with a fork. That’s a no-brainer. But how about french fries? It’s a sometimes fingers/sometimes forks answer: If the food the […]
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- French Fries – How Do I Eat Them?
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
As many Americans, I have been discussing what will happen if the Health Care Reform Bill gets passed. One of our topics turned to what would our service industry look like if the bill is passed. Specifically, we were speaking of restaurant staff. Most establishments do not provide benefits and pay below minimum wages. Current etiquette is leaving a 15-20% tip to 1) thank their service performance and 2) make up for aforementioned inequites. If the bill is passed the staff would receive benefits and the cost of providing benefits will be passed on to the consumer and can be upwards of a 40% increase in cost. It is my opinion that the ediquette should be adjusted to 5-7% of the bill.
I have traveled extensively, and in the countries I visited where there are social benefits provided to restaurant staff, a 0% tip is expected.
Am I correct with my assumption?
Renie, I think you make a lot of sense and this is one example of unforseen, unanticipated consequences of this bill. The problem is that while the customer will be hit with significant increases to cover the employer’s cost of benefits to the employee, the employee will not pocket the increase like they now pocket their tips. Everyone will suffer…you and I will pay a higher bill, the waiter will receive lower take-home pay, and the business owner may well see less traffic and income, but increased overhead.
I believe we are in for major shifts in many accepted practices of all kinds and it will be interesting to see what evolves. Let’s hope and pray we end up the better for it.