In a recent Reddit thread, user CanOfCorn308 shared a personal experience that highlights the ever-evolving debate on tipping etiquette in the U.S.
The man, a 21-year-old EMT, explained his stance on tipping, which generally supports those in the service industry earning less than minimum wage. However, he expressed reluctance when it came to tipping fast food workers, particularly when those workers earn substantially more than he does.
The heart of the matter unfolded at a local coffee place where he chose not to tip, leading to a confrontation and subsequent community backlash.
CanOfCorn308 writes, “I’m an EMT. We don’t get paid that great….I will not tip fast food workers. The majority of fast food places around my area pay $2-$11 more than I make an hour.” He shared an experience wherein he refused to tip at a coffee shop that paid its baristas $17/hr, sparking outrage from the barista who claimed he was acting “snobbish.”
CanOfCorn308 was later informed of a social media post criticizing him for his decision not to tip, alleging he “ruined someone’s day.”
The incident sparked various reactions from Reddit users. One user stated, “Tipping culture is out of hand right now. You’re pouring coffee and are upset that you’re not making $50k a year. Get a better job then.”
Another echoed the sentiment, saying, “I’d prefer to do away with the American tipping system altogether and pay servers actual wages. That barista was out of line. Let me know when she’s making less than minimum wage and depends on tips to survive.”
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Tipping culture in the United States has always been a topic of contention. The U.S. Department of Labor states that federal law permits employers to take a tip credit toward their minimum wage obligation for tipped employees. The maximum tip credit allowed is $5.12 per hour, which means that employers may pay a minimum of $2.13 per hour to tipped workers, provided they earn enough in tips to make up the difference.
This results in a heavy dependence on tips in many service industries.
However, a September article from CNBC on the findings of online restaurant platform Toast indicates that average tipping in restaurants has fallen to its lowest level since the start of the COVID pandemic.
As the lines blur between traditional sit-down service and fast-casual dining, the question of who should get tipped and how much becomes even more complicated. With some fast-food establishments paying above minimum wage and the rise of electronic tipping methods making it easier than ever to tip (or not), the debate continues.
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The incident shared by CanOfCorn308 serves as a microcosm of the broader tipping debate. While some argue that tipping should be a reflection of service quality, others feel it’s a societal obligation, irrespective of the nature of service or the wage of the worker.
However, as one Reddit user pointed out, understanding and empathy need to be at the forefront of any discussion. “It’s crucial to remember that every person we interact with, be it a server, a barista or an EMT, has their own struggles and story. While tipping can be discretionary, kindness should always be a given.”
Newsweek has contacted CanOfCorn308 for comment via Reddit.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
