I think the Federal FLSA should be amended to prohibit this exemption, and failing that the states that do not currently mandate minimum wage should mandate it.
Why intrude on a state’s ability to make economic decisions for itself allowing Americans choice in their economic environments state to state? If one state had mostly college-age entry-level workers in the industry and another more so those making a career of it, would that not change the cost-benefit as you frame it? Additionally the cost of basic necessities varies greatly by region. Can a federal minimum really account for all that variation?
the majority of tipped workers are women (more agreeable)
I agree the trait of high-agreeableness on the net will result in getting less wherever there is negotiation. The government equalizing for that difference will however not solve for any injustice rather promote a environment less adapt for highly agreeable people.
The reason trait agreeableness gets less is its demands less, meaning they’re happier on less. So if for example tips weren’t a thing these servers would be in high likelihood the lowest paid employees(unlike today). You know what trait agreeableness helps with, maximizing tips in a service industry. It one of the reasons highly-agreeable people prefer the service industry over say high-pressure sales which revolve around negotiations. Most people know their own strengths and weaknesses.
it should not be the customer’s responsibility to pay for employees.
Here’s a tip - stop wondering. It’s the responsibility of the server to let you know and give you reasons to tip. Just as it the restaurant’s responsibility to price attractively. If the server believed they would be paid more trusting the business alone to set the prices, there are plenty of restaurants etc which offer wage security for less earning opportunity. The server made a choice, and takes the risks associated.
there is no right for a restaurant owner to make profit stiffing employees.
Why except the employment offer if you don’t like the terms offered? When there is demand but no employees wages always raise.
the very fact the law mandates that employers should make up the difference between tips and the minimum wage is a recognition this system is bogus
Wrong. There are people willing to risk their entire life saving on a game of pitch and toss. Society is uncomfortable letting them be that extreme. It’s a safety-net prevision not a rebuke.
it is an anti-family policy, America needs more families and keeping sectors of the economy in poverty does not forward this goal.
Umm, you’re not assigned a career path at birth nor are you bound by one at anytime. If the earning potential of an industry is too low. Find a new niche.
it is not fair to industries that actually have to follow the minimum wage law.
Most minimum-wage jobs aren’t seeking a skill. The service industry takes skill. And they do pay more where tipping isn’t practiced. The reason tipping exists is highly-agreeable people maximize their earnings that way.
Few doubt I am on the right, in my state; I would support minimum wage plus tips over the alternative, because I value simplicity & universality not for any of the reasons you listed. But, I wouldn’t object to other arrangements either because the change is more disruptive than any minor benefit.
In fact, if your asking just me as one of those crazies who would ideally repeal all equalization schemes like minimum wage. You know what would replace it for all you too scared to take the leap: federal & state UBI. Then employers need to incentives people without fear they can’t feed their families. Does that sound fair enough for you?
I’ll tell you this though UBI is expensive. So adding it on is never going to work, but because equalization schemes are even more expensive and a free-market such a revenue generator. Replace all that current social spending with UBI now we’re talking bipartisanship.
