lisher

MIKE SHEEHAN Chief Executive Officer

T
h e B o s t o n
SERVICE NOT INCLUDED

de

INCLUDED

BRIAN McGRORY Editor

G l o b e

PETER S. CANELLOS Editor, Editorial Page

CHRISTINE S. CHINLUND M

M O N D A Y, F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4

Edit
oria l
Tipping system
exacerbates
unfair pay
at restaurants
Tipping
system
exacerbates unfair
MICHAEL RAMIREZ

manyTrestaurant
pay at workers,
restaurants
onditions not on menu

victim here if the tipped minimum doesnt

ipping is said to have started in the
go up, Luz says. His argument, however,
Roman Empire as a means to re
rests on potentially unreliable data that em
Editor, Editorial Page ward servants and slaves. Ameri
ployers, rather than servers themselves, re
cans
adopted
the
custom
only
after
Editor/News
port to the US Department of Labor.
the Civil War, but it stuck: Diners doled out
Even if Massachusetts diners are more
some $40 billion in gratuities in 2012, ac
generous with tips as the Labor Depart
cording to industry experts. Yet the en
said
torestaurant
have started
in data implyin
months
working there, she rement
nine
why not
extend aof
great
trenchment ipping
of tippingishas
given
er level
security to
all servers
in the
owners a pretext
avoid paying
theiras a means
the to
Roman
Empire
to of wage ceived
only
six paychecks
and, she says,
state? Advocates want the tipped wage to be
workers a proper wage. The tip system
reward
servants
and slaves.
Amerthose
checks
arrived only after
she asked.
dle
class
while
saving at
taxpayer
to recognizeshould
a former
least 60 percent
of the
full minimum
beres
uprooted
or at
leastactually
returned
ECHOES OF HISTORY
dollars.
Its time
tocustom
startfor
moving
in this
ishwasher. Long,
wage
guaranteed
to all other
workers.
to its deep
roots asicans
a purely
voluntary
reward
IN THE
adopted
the
only
They
basically
only paid me to
keepMIDDLE
me EAST
n line their forearms
Even better, however, would be to pass a
excellent
service.sensible direction, both in Massachusetts
after
the Civiland
War,
but itasstuck:
Diners doled
quiet, Papke adds. So she recently filed a forthe nation
a whole.
of nights when,
as the
law that would prohibit a separate tipped
Other
than restaurants,
few other
indus
n the chain oftries
kitchen
out let
some
$40
incustomers
gratuities in 2012,
complaint
with
Attorney General Martha
minimum wage,mal
as seven
other states
have
bosses
relybillion
mainly on
Restaurants,
in a Owners
way, are the quintessen
they must plunge
their to set employee
done.
Workers
would
be
guaranteed
$8,
or
generosity
wages.
according to industry experts. Yet the enCoakleys office, asking herISformer
employer
IT truly humiliation that
of aBack
challenging
ng
tominimum
unclog
e ifhot
the water
tippedare
whatever the current full minimum wage is.
happyin
todoesnt
savetial
on industry
labor costs.
when 21stcentury
drives
Palestinians,
trenchment
of
tipping
has given
restaurant
for received
the more
than
$4,000 she
is the
owed
in backas
economy.
Timepressed
Americans
out
hwashing
machines.
An mainly
says. His argument,
however,
Then,eat
any
tips they
would
be what
tips
still came
in cash
(and
therefore
H.D.S. Greenway asserts (In
for
at
least
five
meals
a
week,
and
the
aver
nt
is
hauling
heavy
dish
tentially unreliable
dataathat
embe left
most
customerspay.
already see them as bo
could
conveniently
off income
tax their
owners
pretext
to avoid
paying
workMiddle East, whos David and
age household
spent
$2,620 onnuses.
food away
ery kitchens.
For themselves,
thisthis arrangement
ther
than servers
re
forms),
probably
made
whosPapke
Goliath?and
(Oped, Feb.
ers
a
proper
wage.
The
tip
system
should
be
Some
of
the
volatility
that
the Na
ork,
the hourly
pay
fre
US Department
ofto
Labor.
nations largest state, California, for
sense
workers,from
too. home in 2011, according to The
14)? If so, what sort of humili
tional
Restaurant
Association.
Aroots
thriving
exceed
the state
minimum
Massachusetts
diners
are
more
uprooted
or
least
returned
has notothers
allowed like
tipped
workers
her
experience would
be eased
Thats
changed
inatthe
era of
credit
cardto itsdecades
ation? That
they are if
unable to
cover higher
la minimum
restaurant
scene
like
Bostons,base
withpay
its fine
ocumented
workers
often
with
tips as
the Labor
Depart
to fall below
the regular
payments.
Only
the
wait
staff
at
the
priciest
establish
their own
indepen
as
a
purely
voluntary
reward
for
excellent
restaurant-goers
routinely
left
higher
tips.
borbistros
costs, some
dining
and
trucks,
is an integral
part fusion
tly
less.Ifwhy
a dishwasher
imply
not extend a great
wage. From
in Los Angeles to
establishments
can
count
onfood
big tips
lead
dent state? Or, far more plausi
restaurants
in
of
a
modern
city.
Massachusetts
restau
service.
hell
get
a
second
job
in
But
whilewhere
mostthe
people
wage securitying
to all
serversincomes.
in the Wage theft the
sushi bars in San Francisco
fish is are accustomed
to livable
bly, that the Jewsto
have been
sist
that
better
rants
alone
are
projected
to
ring
up
$13.5
ally
prepping
salads,
for
ocates want the
tipped
wage
to
be restaurants,
flown
industry
is
booming
and
nonpayment
ofthan
owed
wages or tips few
is other
able to establish
theirs on lands
Other
in-in daily, the
adding
a
15
to
20
percent
gratuity
regardpaidby
workers
are over the
billion
in sales
forOverall,
2014.
asexpected
fine diners
ying your
quietly
is
once conquered by Islam?
percent
of dues
the
full
minimum
to expand
9.1 percent
now
commonplace
at restaurants.
ECHOES
OFYet
HISTORY
dustries
let bosses
rely
mainly
on customers
less
of
the
quality
of service, others
their
more
reliable
and
increasingly
seek
outMIDDLE
organic,
farmtota
in a kitchen,
says
Jonny
The latterset
understanding
anteed
to all other
workers.
next decade.
In fact,
in California
and
the
vast
majority
of servers
and
other
IN
THE
EAST
stay
in
their
jobs
long
few
think
muchOwners
of the work
lies atmay
the core
of the ArabIs
orked
at several
Boston
tter, however,
would
be to pass
a cuisine,
the six other
states
without
a separate which
frontofthehouse
employees
have
generosity
toble
set
employee
wages.
own
tipping
standards,
include
enough
to make
up in
raeli conflict. It is why the Arab
force
making
uding
Bennigans,
for with
nine
ould
prohibit
a separate
tipped
tipped wage
Alaska,
Nevada,
been
left
little
control
overthose
how meals.
are
happy to save
ongoes
labor costs. Back when
a host offorfactors
beyond a servers
control.
states rejected
the 1947 UN
efficiency
what
What
me
other
guy
takes
wage,
as poor
seven
other
states they
havemake
Montana,
Minnesota,
Oregon, and
much
income
each on behind the kitchen doors
Partition
Plan
that
would have
theyre
costing
in
extra
wag
is
grim.
The
13
millionplus
restaurant
tips
still
came
mainly
in
cash
(and
therefore
Still
others

angry
customers,
foreigners
kers would beweek.
guaranteed $8, or
Washington state job growth
divided
the
remainder
of the
es.industry is expected to ex
ISthe
IT truly
humiliation
that
workers
in
United
States face
a povertyin the
nt
in the
heindustry
current full
minimum
wage
is.
A United
busy
Friday
evening
shift
could
conveniently
be
leftthe
offPalestinians,
income tax
who
dont
understand
the
custom

leave
British
Palestine
Mandate
into
drives
as
In
reality,
employers
get
rate that
is nearly
three times that of the ceed Massachusetts over the
ng, just
thecan
income
gap
tips
theyasreceived
would
be what
mean
good
money,
only
to
Jewish and Arab
states. It is
H.D.S.
Greenway
asserts
(In
away
with
paying
little
and
forms),
this
arrangement
probably
made
nothing
at
all.
American
restaurants
could
rest of
the countrys workforce, and the in next 10 years, in some cases
trends
are related:
While
mers
already
see
them
asby
abo
be
followed
slow
Sunday
why the Arab states joined mili Israe
Middle
East,
whos
treating
badlyThe
simply
dustry
hosts
seven
of the
10David
worstand
paying
her industriesafternoon
often leads
by
more workers
than
double.
tips total
sense
towhere
workers,
too.
emulate
most
of the
rest oftarily
the to
developed
destroy the nascent
whos
Goliath?
(Oped,
Feb.
because
they
can.
There ar
American
jobs, according to federal labor
and
ionsgreater
largest opportunities,
state,
California,
for
poverty
rate
for
tipped
$20 for
a whole shift.
If a 14)?
peace
State
of
Israel in 1948. It is why
If so,
what
sort
of humili
Thats
changed
in
the
era
of
credit
card
world,
where
service
charges
are
automatient
many other
opportuni
Dishwashers in Massachusetts,
staurant
business
does
s not allowed
tipped
workers
workers
in these
states
diner
doesnt
likestatistics.
his
ly the
terrorists repeatedly have at
ation? That they are unable to
ties
in Massachusetts
for instance,
made
$10.29
perpriciest
hour on av
afall
powerful
lobby
and
below the
regular
minimum
payments.
Only
the wait
staff
atown
the
was
12.1 percent,
com
cally
tacked
on tofor
dinner tabs.
Some
meal,
his a
dissatisfac
tacked
Israeliseateries
and Jewish sites
establish
their
indepen
workers
with
few16.1
or no
skills,
erage
(ThatOr,
figure
is telling
in it
m
makes
union
orga
around the world. It is why all
mthat
fusion
bistros
inwith
Los
Angeles
to in 2012.
pared
with
per
tion
the
kitchen
dent state?
fartips
more
plausi
establishments
can
count
on
big
leading
in
New
York
and
California
have made headespecially
if
they
are
undocu
self,
as
it
includes
dishwashers
at
hotels,
ndSan
impractical,
itwhere
provides
manner of diplomatic, econom
in
Francisco
thethe
fish is
cent in states with
could
reduce
bly, that the Jews have been
mented.
In simply
2012,
were
universities,
healthcare
toincome
livable
incomes.
Wage
thefacilities,
nonpaybottom
of the
lad
ic, media,
now, even
lines for
including
the
cost and
of labor
in aca
aily,
the industry
is booming
and
the
lowestthere
tipped
takehome
pay
of
ableand
totheft
establish
theirs
on landswho
1.8
job
seekers
for
every
demic,
levers
have
been
em
are
usually
union
workers
and
nationally
rvice
industry
is
the
prov
conquered
Islam?
o expand by 9.1
percent
over
thewages once
minimum,
accord
his
server,
ment
of the
owed
or tips
is by
now
comtheir menu
prices
and banning
tips
altogethployed
against
Israel.
opening
in
the
restau
earn
on
average
nearly
$3
workers
The
latter
understanding
decade. In fact,
in
California
and
ing
to
a
2011
anal
busser who
THOMASFUCHSFORTHEBOSTONGLOBE
The Palestinians have many
IN H
monplace
at restaurants.
Overall,
the
vastrestau rant
er. sector
lies at more
the
core
ofhour
the
ArabIs
per
than
govern
ix
other states
without
separate
ysisstate
by the Eco
cleared
hisatable,
In
this
series
times
been
offered
a
state
but
dle E
wide,
a
relatively
raeli
conflict.
It
is
why
the
Arab
rant
dishwashers.)
RePolicy Institute.
ors
col Alaska,
pedto
wage
Nevada,
nomic
and
even
theof
host
who seated
Work
majority
servers
andhim.
other
front-of-thehave steadfastly refused. In
Golia
states
rejected
the
1947
UN
low
figure
com
search
done
by
MIT
puts
a
nimum
ontana, Minnesota,
and
Massachusetts, which often prides itself
performed
outside
regular
shifts typically
TODAY:Oregon,
IGNORED
RIGHTS
their
eyes,
the
cost
is
far
too
Gree
house
employees
have
been
left
with
little
More
realistic,
however,
would
be
Partition
Plan that would have
pared
to other
in
tles them state
Washington

job
growth
its progressive
values,
is a laggard
in pro
goes
unpaid,
and
bad weather
orlivable
illnesswage foronBoston
Unpaid
work,
threats
of de
high:
acceptance
of
the
legiti
its ne
divided
the
remainder
of
the
dustries.
Yetchange
thecurrent
data through stronger wage laws
the minimum
taff
who
control
how
much
income
they income
make restaurant
systemic
in the
industry
islead
expected
ex
tecting
workers.
Its
may
toover
no to
pay
at all.
portation,
and
outright
wage
macy of a sovereign Mideast
how
Britishsomeone
Palestine needs
Mandate
into
suggest
more
than
two
to liveminimum
ade
glyceed
low Massachusetts
overthe
the
tipped
wage
is
worth
just
one
Rakel
Papke
earned
good
tips
as
a
wait
AFP/GETTY
IMAGESof an
theft
plague
restaurant
Jewish
state,
declaration
sider
each
week.
and
better
enforcement
of
those
regulations.
Jewish and Arab states. It is
thirds
of those wage,
openings
quately
given local
costs
ofregular
nationally
next 10 years,
inBraza
someBar
cases
thirdmili
of the
minimum
and isa Palestinian
ress
at
and Grill,why
a popular
Ever
end to protestor
conflict, and
abandon
industry.
tion o
the Arab
states joined
Israeli security
forces detain
Friday.
were
parttime
work, Legislature
A busyThe
Friday
evening
shift
can
mean
The for
Massachusetts
is right
currentliving
at
$12.65
forthan
a sin
tips whose
by moreett
than
double.
lower
the tipped
wage
in 27 other
restaurant.
Yet
in nine
months
of
work
ment of
of return claims
the c
tarily to destroy
the nascent
while
the vast
majority
of
gle
adult
for
a peace.
ten con
MONDAY:
TIPPING
poverty
rate
for
tipped
forthe
a dwindling
remainder of
expu
including
other
England
ing
there,
she
received
six followed
paychecks

good
money,
onlyonly
to State
be
by $22.40
astates,
But
that New
is an whether
action
on todoes?
of
Israel
inand
1948.
Itslow
is why
lyall
debating
raise
minimum
the
unemployed
want full
family
of
gement;workers
Meant
as
astates
reward,
tips interrorists
real refugees
and their
multi
ians f
inshe
these
states,
the Massachusetts
and,
says,
those checks
arrived
only
affour.have
ly the to
Palestinians
can take. Bud
repeatedly
at according
Greenway
also declares
that
Sunday
afternoon
where
tips
total
$20
for
a
wage,
but
increasing
the
minimum
wage
for
time
positions.
stead
make
up
much
of
a
Moreover,
these
jobs
mployees waster
generational
descendants.
its re
12.1
percent,
com
get and
she asked. They basically
only
paid me
tacked
Israelis
and Jewish
sitesPolicy Center.
the withdrawal of Israeli set
RICHARD D. WILKINS
In Boston,
immigrants
from
workers
pay
If
if Papke
the
money
Cutting
that
histo
with
the
ains that pared
around
the
It
is of
why
allbenewhotipped
tlers
Gaza
.per
. . was
aGordian
partial Knot
Waterbury,
Conn.
withme
16.1
per
whole
shift.
a diner
doesnt
likefew
his
meal,
Women,
make
upworkers
about
73 percent

stuck
atin$2.63
hour
to
keep
quiet,
adds.
Socome
sheworld.
re
Latin
most often success
from would
instantly
sever1the sin
in the
even
gets
to
them. complaint
fits
workers
in
otherworkers,
them to
manner
ofthat
diplomatic,
econom
because
it removed
cent
in states
with
of
tipped
areAmerica
disproportionately
cently
filed
a
formal
with
Attor
his
dissatisfaction
with
the
kitchen
could
since
1999

isnt
being
considered.
ews
supporting
this
decades
er im
Colombia,
El
Salvador,
or
Brazil

fill
res
THOMASFUCHSFORTHEB
industries
take
for
granted.
ic, media,
now, even
aca Waitresses in some gritty bars and million Palestinians from Isra
amps and ney
the lowest
tipped
harmed.
General
Martha Coakleys
office,and
asking
TUESDAY:
FAST
FOOD demic,
longhave
war
and
rapidly
lead to
timen
taurant
kitchens.
Many,
because
they
levers
have
been
em
els
control
and
responsibility.
Health
coverage
is
rarely
reduce
the
take-home
pay
of
his
server,
nt aid to
This
oversight
is
shocking.
Four
out
of
minimum,
accord for the more than
grills say they feel compelled to flirt with
her
former employer
Higher wages for fastfoodployedoffered;
against
Israel.
Israel
still
rules
over
Gazas
air
limited
English
or
are
in
the
country
ille
paid
sick
leave,
va
r unlivable $4,000
ing to a
2011
analincleared
offensive
jokes
just
she
isbenefit
owed
back pay.his table, andcustomers and laugh at
the
who
ONGLOBE
five
states

Arizona,
Colorado,
North
jobs busser
would
workers,
Thecation
Palestinians
have401(k)s
many
space,
harbors, andhour
mostlaws.
of its Among those c
IN HIS
oped
(In
Mid
gally,
arearticle
simply
glad
for paying
work.
time, and
ysis
by
the
Eco
to
preserve
their
income.
Even
then,
they
Some
of
the
volatility
that
Papke
and
business,
and
government.
times
been
offered
a
state
but
land
crossings.
It
restricts
what
dle
East,
whos
David
and
whos
even
the
host
who
seated
him.
Work
Dakota,
and
Florida

where
the
Supporting
family
here
and
back
home,
violations
since 2009 by t
virtually
gesInstitute.
do not others like her experience wouldare
cy
earn anof.
average of $0.50 less per hour than
be eased
if unheard
sit
have
steadfastly
refused.
In
and
who
may
enter
or
leave
the Attorney sis
Goliath?
(Feb.
14),
H.D.S.
they
often
string
together
two
or
three
jobs
ment,
state
Gen
Schedules
often
change
on
cient, which
husetts,
often
prides
itself
male
tipped
workers,
government
statistics
restaurantgoers
routinely
left
higher
tips.
performed
outside
regular
shifts
National
Restaurant
Association
WEDNESDAY: UNIONS their eyes, the cost is far too
are co
territory.
In
what
sense
does
Greenway
cites
Israels
fears
of
to make
ends
meet.mini
They start at 7 a.m. in other enforcement agenci
a weekly
even daily
ba away
istribution
ressive
values,
is while
a laggard
inpeople
proneed
with the
But
most
areto
accustomed
to or
Restaurant
workers
do w
high:
acceptance
of theshow.
legitiDoingits
notfor
constitute
control?
neighbors
andtipped
asks,
.prep,
..
typically
goes
unpaid,
and
bad
projects
thethis
fastest
the areas most
one
kitchen
doing
then
leave
agrowth
thein
Boston
poa
sis,
making
child
care
a
etaurant
waitersworkers.
Itsfor
current
mum
and
giving
these
women
a
steadier
adding
a 15
to rights.
20 percent
gratuity
regard
fight
their
So why
rive
IF
THE
experience
of
the
Quin
macy of a sovereign Mideast
Finally, contrary to the Is
how could it be otherwise con
second
shift,
working
until
midnight
or
1
tablishments:
Not
Your
A
nightmare
to
arrange.
And
wages
weather
or
illness
may
lead
to
no
restaurant
industry
for
2014
have
imum wage less
isarent
worth
just
one of service,
paycheck
be the
to re raeli author
onds
cy Police
and Nor
they
organizing?
of the
quality
others
set their
Jewish
state,
declaration
of an would
AriDepartment
Shavits croco
sidering
the quickest
history ofway
persecu
a.m., says Arvalo, who was a pilotfolk
in County
his
Metropolitan
Club;
Sunse
forget
about
job
security.
Ameriminimum
Th
is
any
guide,
Mayor
ed,regular
wage,
and
is
store
their
dignity.
own
tipping
standards,
which
may
include
end to conflict, and abandon
dile
tears over his
countrys
tion of the Jewish people
pay at all.
a over
tipped
minimum
wage
of atethPomodoro; Ca
native Colombia
now runs
worker
Brooklines
Restaurant
analyst
Victor the centuries?
fectively
credi
Martin
Walshs
decision
de
the tipped wage
inof
27factors
other beyond a servers
a host
control.
ment of
right of return
claims
nicthe
cleansing
in
1948,
the issueto
Perhapsand
Israels
Papke
earned
good
centerof
at750,000
the Massachusetts
Coalition
least $4.86,
or For
nearly
cle
of Science,
supp
ploy
Narcan
intwice
Boston
policeMiddlesex
Fernandez
says
annual turnover
is
abovethe
taurant
toRakel
the
for
a dwindling
remainder
of
is not whether
or not
the
Pales
expulsion
Palestin
uding
allindustry
other
New
England
Under
current
system,
restaurants
Still
others
angry
customers,
foreigners
and t
cruisers
will
save
many
lives
Occupational
Safety
and
Health
(Mass
Row;
and
Ruby
Tuesday.
95
percent
for
hourly
workers.
n
per
year.
All
this
for
an
real refugees
and theirmust
multipay wait
tinians can forgive;
its whether
ians
from
theiran
homes
inA
1948,
ording to the who
Massachusetts
Bud the
staff
$2.63
hour.
servers
custom
leave
tipsdont
as aunderstand
waitress
at Braza
Massachusetts
current
law. over
(Mayor
Walsh
supports
COSH).
In
2012,
acclaimed
res
Very
little
will
improve
until
consumers
generational
descendants.
Israel
is
prepared
to
take
mate
nt
beset
by
global
competi
its
relentless
expansion,
and
its
icy Center. nothing at all. American restaurants could
wages plus her tips for every twoweek pay
Bar
and
Grill,
a
popular
dose
antidote,
Metro,
Feb.
11).
The
Massachusetts
Filiberto
Lopez
moved
to
Boston
from
Cutting
that
Gordian
Knot
rial
and
specific
responsibility
history
of
military
adventurism
rick
Lyons
and
Ed
Sparks
begin
to
pressure
the
industry.
While
din
rial
manufacturers
are

, who make up
about most
73 percent
period must also average out to at least $8
emulate
of the rest of the developed
Narcan,
which
blocks opiate
re pay and
would
sever
the
sin
forhopes
these
crimes.
the
might
haveyears
great
Elregion
Salvador
seven
ago
in
of Association,
$424,000
in back
ers feel
empowered
to ask
whether
prothein
esent a vital
national
in
workers,
are disproportionately
Everett
restaurant.
Yet
an hour,
regular
minimum
wage.
Restaurant
world,
where
service
charges
are instantly
automati
thomas
fuchs
for
thestate
boston
Globe
ceptors
in
the
brain
long
Th
ews
supporting
this
decades
er
impact
on
its
neighbors
sen
RICHARD
M.
NASSER
finding
the
American
Dream,
and
ended
properly underpaid work
duce
wastabs.
purchased
locally or If
if not,
chickens
gy or utilities.
In fact,
thebars
Waitresses
in some
gritty
and
then her employer is legally required
cally
tacked
on to
dinner
Some eater
enough for an overdose
victim
trict A
long
war
and
rapidly
lead
to
timents
than
antiSemitism
Brookline
up
sleeping
in
the
kitchen
of
a
East
Boston
restaurants
they
own,
inc
were
given free
range
to lay their
eggs, up the difference.
ments
against
policies
that
hey feel
compelled
to flirt
with
to make
ies
in New
York
and
California
have
made
to get to a hospital, has been
Peruvian
He worked more
Scampo, Sonsie, and the B
theyincluding
dont feelthe
comfortable
wages
of restaurant
work
and laugh
atheadlines
offensive
jokes
just
Reality is messier.
Therestaurant.
government
for simply
cost of questioning
used more than 200 times in
than
80
hours
a
week
there,
schlepping
what is a common practic
the
treatment
of
employees,
despite
unimpressive.
Claims
their income.
Even
agencies that enforce wage laws largely
labor
inthen,
their they
menu prices and banning tips
Quincy since officers began car
200pound
of flour
Sparks had contracted ou
mounting evidence of violations
of labor
es
would
resultless
in fewer
erage
of $0.50
per hour than
depend
on violations
being sacks
reported,
andfrom the kitch

Officer

xacerbates
taurants

Let t er

At root, rejection
of a Jewish state

L et t er s t o t h e E di t o r

At root, rejection
of a Jewish state

Isra
fom

Israels deeds
fomented conflict

Opiate antidote
a help in Quincy

Sol

T h e

B o s t o n

G l o b e

M O N D A Y, F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 1 4

de

MICHAEL RAMIREZ
the industrys lobbying
group, has devoted
Women, who make up about 73 percent
intense resources to keeping the tip wage
of tipped workers, are disproportionately
unchanged. Its CEO, Bob Luz, notes that
harmed. Waitresses in some gritty bars and
waiters and waitresses in the state already
grills say they feel compelled to flirt with
r
make some of the highest average wages in
customers and laugh at offensive jokes just
Officer
the country, significantly more than cooks
to preserve their income. Even then, they
Editor, Editorial Page
and kitchen workers, and that raising the
earn an average of $0.50 less per hour than
Editor/News
tipped minimum could increase menu prices
male tipped workers, government statistics
for customers. No victim here if the tipped
show. Doing away with the tipped minimum
minimum doesnt go up, Luz says. His arguand giving these women a steadier paycheck
ment, however, rests on potentially unreliwould be the quickest way to restore their
able data that employers, rather than servers
dignity.
themselves, report to the US Department of
Labor.
Under the current system, restaurants
Even if Massachusetts diners are more
must pay wait staff $2.63 an hour. A servers
generous with tips as the Labor Departwages plus her tips for every two-week pay
e if the tipped minimum doesnt
ment data
imply why not extend a greater
period must also average out to at least $8
says. His argument,
however,
tentially unreliable
that em
level data
of wage
security to all servers in the
an hour, the regular state minimum wage. If
ther than servers themselves, re
state?
Advocates want the tipped wage to be
not, then her employer is legally required to
US Department
of Labor.
Massachusetts
atdiners
leastare
60more
percent of the full minimum wage
make up the difference.
with tips as the Labor Depart
guaranteed to all other workers.
Reality is messier. The government agenimply why not extend a great
cies that enforce wage laws largely depend on
wage security to all Even
serversbetter,
in the however, would be to pass
ocates want the
tipped
wage
to be prohibit a separate tipped
a law
that
would
violations being reported, and some restaupercent of the full minimum
ECHOES OF HISTORY
minimum
other
statesEAST
have
rant owners have found they can underpay
anteed to all other
workers.wage, as seven
IN THE
MIDDLE
tter, however,done.
would Workers
be to pass awould be guaranteed $8, or
workers without consequence. Nationwide,
ould prohibit a separate tipped
At
root,
rejection
whatever the current full minimum wage is.
an Aspen Institute study suggests that nearly
wage, as seven other states have
of
a
Jewish
state
any $8,
tips
40 percent of restaurant workers earn at or
kers would beThen,
guaranteed
or they received would be what
IS IT truly humiliation that
he current fullmost
minimum
wage
is.
customers already
them as asbobelow the federal minimum wage of $7.25,
drivessee
the Palestinians,
tips they received would be what
H.D.S. Greenway asserts (In
even with tips factored in.
mers already nuses.
see them as bo
Middle East, whos David and
The nations largest
California,
A 2009 study of 4,400 workers in New
whos state,
Goliath?
(Oped, Feb.
ions largest state, California, for
14)? If so, what
sort of
humili
decades
has not allowed
tipped
workers
York, Los Angeles, and Chicagofound that
s not allowedfor
tipped
workers
ation? That they are unable to
fall below the
regular
minimum
base
pay
to fall below
the regular
more than one-quarter of tipped workers
establish
their ownminimum
indepen
m fusion bistros in Los Angeles to
dent state?
farAngeles
more plausi
wage. From fusion bistros
in Or,
Los
to
were not even paid the lower tipped miniin San Francisco where the fish is
bly, that the Jews have been
sushi
bars inand
San Francisco
where
theonfish
is
mum wage, and 12 percent had seen their
aily, the industry
is booming
able to establish
theirs
lands
once conquered
by Islam?and
o expand by 9.1
percent
thethe industry
flown
in over
daily,
is booming
tips stolen by an employer or supervisor,
The latter understanding
decade. In fact, in California and
to expand by
percent
the
which is illegal. Theres no reason to believe
lies9.1
at the
core of theover
ArabIs
ix other statesexpected
without a separate
raeli
conflict.
It
is
why
the
Arab
ped wage Alaska,
Nevada, In fact, in California and the
next decade.
Massachusetts is an exception. In 2012, Starstates rejected the 1947 UN
ontana, Minnesota, Oregon, and
six other states without
a separate
tipped
bucks was ordered by a federal appeals court
Partition
Plan that would
have
Washington state job growth
divided the remainder of the
wage
Alaska,
to pay Bay State baristas $14 million in tips
in the industry
is expected
to ex Nevada, Montana, MinneBritish Palestine Mandate into
ceed Massachusetts
over
the
AFP/GETTY IMAGES
sota, Oregon, and Washington
state
Itjob
that had been illegally meted out to
managJewish and Arab
states.
is
next 10 years, in some cases
why the Arab states joined mili Israeli security forces detain a Palestinian protestor Friday.
in the
is expected to exceed
ers.
by more growth
than double.
The industry
tarily to destroy the nascent
povertyMassachusetts
rate for tipped
over State
the next
10in years,
inwhy peace. But Ending
that is an action
on
of Israel
1948. It is
does?
the tipped
minimum wage would
workers in these states
ly the Palestinians can take.
terrorists repeatedly have at
Greenway also declares that
some
casescom
by more than
double. The poverty
be the
first step to preventing
this kind of
was 12.1
percent,
tacked Israelis and Jewish sites
the withdrawal of Israeli set
RICHARD D. WILKINS
around
world.
It is why
all
tlers
in Gaza . . . waseateries
a partial
Waterbury, Conn.and
pared
with
per workers
rate
for16.1
tipped
in the
these
states
was
abuse. Frequenting
encouraging
manner of diplomatic, econom
success because it removed 1
cent in states with
12.1 percent, compared
with 16.1 percent
that include
in the price of a
ic, media, and now, even aca
million Palestinians from Isra
Israels
deedsa service charge
the lowest tipped
demic,tipped
levers have
been em
els control and responsibility.
in
states with
the lowest
minimum,
meal is another.
minimum,
accord
fomented
conflict
ployed
against
Israel.
Israel still rules over Gazas air
ing to a 2011to
anal
ONGLOBE
according
a 2011 analysis
by thehave
Economic
Until
then,
tip well.
The Palestinians
many
space, harbors, and most of its
IN HIS oped
article
(In Mid
ysis by the Eco
times been offered a state but
dle East, whos David and whos land crossings. It restricts what
Policy
Institute.
cy Institute.
have steadfastly refused. In
and who may enter or leave the
Goliath? (Feb. 14), H.D.S.
husetts, which oftenMassachusetts,
prides itself
which
often
prides
itself Greenway
FORcites
THE
RECORD:
Feb. 17
editorial
intheir eyes,
the cost
is far too
In what
sense does
Israels
fears of Aterritory.
ressive values, is a laggard in pro
high: acceptance
of the legiti
this not constitute
control?
andsaid
asks, .
. . Massachusetts
on its progressive values,
is a laggard
in pro- its neighbors
correctly
the
Legislature
taurant workers. Its current
macy of a sovereign Mideast
Finally, contrary to the Is
how could it be otherwise con
restaurant
workers.
Itsdeclaration
current of
tipped
hasthe
not
considered
the states
tipped
imum wage istecting
worth just
one
Jewish state,
an
raeli author
Ari Shavits
croco
sidering
history
of persecuraising
e regular minimum
wage,
and
is
end tojust
conflict,
and abandon
tears over
his countrys
eth
of the Jewish people
minimum wage is worth
one-third
of the tion minimum
wage.over
State dile
senators
voted
to raise
the tipped wage in 27 other
ment of right of return claims
nic cleansing in 1948, the issue
the centuries? Perhaps Israels
regular
minimum wage,
and is lower
than
the wage
lastPalestin
November,
though
House
for a dwindling
remainder
of
is not
whetherthe
or not
the Pales
expulsion
of 750,000
uding all other
New England
real
refugees
and their
multi
ians has
from yet
theirto
homes
in 1948,
ording to the Massachusetts
Bud in 27
the tipped wage
other
states,
including
follow
suit. tinians can forgive; its whether
generational descendants.
Israel is prepared to take mate
its relentless expansion, and its
icy Center.
all
other
New
England
states,
according
to
Correction
published
February
19,responsibility
2014
Cutting
that
Gordian
Knot
rial and specific
history
of
military
adventurism
, who make up about 73 percent
would
instantly
sever
the
sin
workers, are disproportionately
the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center. in the region might have great for these crimes.

xacerbates
taurants

Waitresses in some gritty bars and

hey feel compelled to flirt with
and laugh at offensive jokes just
their income. Even then, they
erage of $0.50 less per hour than

L et t er s t o t h e E di t o r

ews supporting this decades

long war and rapidly lead to

er impact on its neighbors sen

timents than antiSemitism

RICHARD M. NASSER
Brookline