Two Decades Too Long: Raise Tipped Workers' Minimum Wage
The restaurant industry isn't known for paying its workers well -- the average yearly salary is just $15,000. But a new study shows that the pay situation is even worse for minorities who on average make $4 less than white workers.
The discrepancies in the already poor pay show how critical it is that the United States updates its minimum wage laws for tipped workers. Right now, minimum wage for tipped workers is just $2.13 -- less than one-third of the federal minimum wage for everyone else. Moreover, it hasn't changed in 20 years, even though by 2009 it had fallen in value by 36 percent.
The WAGES Act would set a fare tipped workers' minimum wage at 70 percent of federal minimum wage. Everyone deserves the chance to make a real living wage. Urge Congress to pass the WAGES Act.
Dear [Decision Maker],
The federal minimum wage for tipped workers has been $2.13 for 20 years. In the intervening two decades the real value of that wage has fallen by 36 percent. It's high time for Congress to enact a fair, living wage for tipped workers
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A new report shows that, in the restaurant industry in particular, workers suffer unfair conditions. Ninety percent lack health care coverage and 80 percent don't even have sick days. Still the average salary is only $15,000 per year. The conditions are even worse for minorities, who, on average, earn $4 less than their white counterparts.
Every American deserves a living wage. It's time for Congress to raise the minimum wage for tipped workers so all Americans can have the opportunity to provide for their families.
