Businesses urged to make tips system fairer
Workers union Unite is urging restaurants and hotels to sign a fair tips charter to ensure a fair deal for all waiting staff.
The union has launched a campaign today in conjunction with the Daily Mirror that aims to stamp out some practices that leave waiting staff short, such as companies charging a fee on tips left on credit cards to cover admin costs or widening the number of employees who receive tips.
"Employers in the hospitality industry must ensure that all employees receive a decent living wage with 100 per cent of tips added on top,"said Unite Joint General Secretary Tony Woodley.
"Customers want to see that the tips they leave are going to the hard-working staff who serve them. Our fair tips charter will enable people to tip with confidence."
Last month there were demonstrations outside a branch of Pizza Express in Wimbledon after a member of staff was sacked for speaking out about the company`s policy to charge an administration fee for tips put on credit card payments.
So far, Pizza Hut and TGI Friday`s have signed the charter and others are being urged to get behind it.
"The union now wants others within the sector to demonstrate their commitment to a fair and transparent tipping system," said Woodley.
Companies signing the fair tips charter agree to:
- Pay all employees at least the minimum wage with 100 per cent of tips added on top as a bonus with no hidden charges
- Reach agreement on how tips are shared with those staff directly affected
- Make no deductions from tips or salaries to cover breakages, till shortages or customer walk-outs
- Make all rules for the distribution of tips and service charges available in writing for staff and customers on request
What are your company`s policies on tips and would it make a difference if they signed the fair tips charter?
