Why do servers get paid less than minimum wage?

Question

It is unfair and unamerican to have to work a minimum of 35-40 hours to be considered full time and you have earned approximately $100!! I am a single mom, veteran, and have an education and just because I am a victim of undue hardship, I have a right to earn a living and be paid the state's minimum wage.Believe it or not, a 52 yr old company pays their servers 2.13 an hour, and their job is not just to take orders, and deliver food, but to bus tables, wash and put away dishes, sweep, mop. clean restrooms, cashier, and other duties!!! If you ask me, that is FREE LABOR!!!

Answer 1

Yeah I have hated this for years.  I am a server occasionally and it can be pretty upsetting because you work your butt off for practically nothing.  But the reason the pay is this way is because they expect that you will earn much more than that in tips.  Which doesn't always happen and I have heard that if you do not at least make minimum wage in tips then the company is supposed to pay you minimum wage, never seen it happen though.  I don't understand it anyway because how would they know, how does anyone know how much money you are going to make in tips?  It's aggravating.

Answer 2

Servers get tips. The tips are factored into the 2.13 an hour you receive and no one but you is responsible for your job; if you're unhappy with it, take a class and learn a new skill and get a better paying job. You do have a right to higher pay and it is up to you to ensure you get it by learning a new skill and applying for work at employment agencies.

I was a server too, in the olden days when we were called waitresses, and all the extra labor you refer to was part of the job, it was called side work and everyone did it.

Answer 3

Because somebody decided their primary living is the tips they are eligible to earn.  Most wage earners aren't eligible for tips.

Answer 4

but you make a ton in tips.  You have to include the money from tips in your salary.  And if you have an education why are working as a waitress? Your hardships are unfortunate but if you are unhappy with your income, then find another job in your educational field.  

Answer 5

Because servers get tips.

Answer 6

because you get tips.  if you aren't getting enough in tips to compensate for the lower hourly, then you aren't hustling enough.

now shut up and get me another glass of tea

Answer 7

Don't you share the wait-staff's tips?  If you don't, then you can report this practice to the local Dept. of Labor. If they determine you are right, then your employer will owe you back wages!  

Answer 8

I know it doesn't seem fair at all but its actually legal. All under the department of labor website. Read more about it, its very interesting.

Answer 9

Guess what? This is America, we can find another job pretty easy here. Fast Foods pays up to 11 dollars an hour with health insurance. Owners have gotten by for years so I don't believe you have a leg to stand on. They know you receive tips. It sounds like you hate your job. Find another one.

Answer 10

Some companies lower the wage because they know the servers receive a significant amount of money in tips from the customers

Answer 11

i think it is unfair as well. i work retail which is commision bs yea some weaks you could make 15 an hour but some weaks you make like 4 dollars an hour. its lame

Answer 12

If you are getting paid 2.13 as a "busser" that is not right. You should get paid minimum wage and then have "tip outs". Only the serving staff should be paid 2.13 because they are working for the tips, whereas you are basically assisting them.

Answer 13

Don't you get tips???

Answer 14

it depends on what the minimum wage is in your state. but usually servers are paid less because they get tips. That does, however, seem a little low. Especially considering the amount of work one does at your job. It seems like your duties are not just limited to server and therein lies the the potentiality for a lawsuit. I would advise you to talk to a lawyer and if you can't afford one then to talk to a local career center. They will probably have the answer.  

Answer 15

As far as I know, minimum wage means just that, minimum wage.  I don't think anyone/company can get away with paying $2.13 per hour.  You need to check with your local labor department....  

Answer 16

maybe if you were a good server you would take home another $100 a day in tips.  perhaps adjust your smile and your attitude a little and you will see why that is so.

I bet you would complain a lot more if you had to turn in all of your tips and get paid back only minimum wage.