Tipped workers and labor advocates call on the state minimum wage board, which is soon to be convened by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, to recommend to the State Labor Commissioner that tipped workers’ pay be brought up to par with the state’s minimum wage. Tipped workers want the same minimum wage as everyone else. Outside New York City, there are fewer upscale restaurants. The lower priced meals at casual eateries mean lower tips for upstate tipped workers. Seven other states have raised the tipped wage to the state minimum wage. Those states with some of the highest minimum wages for all workers also have some of the fastest restaurant industry growth.
What do you think? Should tipped workers get the same minimum wage as the kitchen staff? Should we dispense with the practice of tipping altogether?