Texas Servers

Many servers in Texas have become dependent upon tips to support their lifestyles. Employers pay their employees a minimum of two dollars and thirteen cents, which is considered taxable income. After some servers split their tips with busboys and hosts there isn’t much left.

I researched gratuity in other countries and France has an interesting way of running the restaurant business. Usually in a establishment there are one to two servers. They take care of all the tables and interact with customers except when necessary. Since gratuity is factored into the bill, servers do not have to depend on customers. This system makes it possible for servers to have a salary, benefits, and vacation.

If this were implemented in Texas it would positively effect the workforce, but negatively as well. For some people, serving is their primary source of income. With a stable paycheck servers could create a lifestyle in which they could afford. On the other hand if gratuity is factored in, servers run the possibility of not receiving more than average gratuity. For restaurants they run the risk of unhappy customers due to poor service. If they cut their workforce to one or two servers a shift it will be a huge change in the culture of the business. Many customers are used to conversation and great customer service. These businesses will also have to pay to provide benefits to these workers. Overall, this system will not benefit our society in the long run.

If the state raises the wages for servers even just a little bit it would open new doors. Helping to make benefits possible for this workforce creates a future and stable lifestyle.