Originally Posted by Martian

So if I'm understanding that correctly, in Pennsylvania if a waiter doesn't make minimum wage based on $2.83/hour+tips, the employer will be forced to pay the employee minimum wage anyway? Is the argument, then, that the employee deserves more than minimum wage regardless of service rendered?

Why not just pay the employees minimum wage and skip all the hassle? After all, the whole point of setting a minimum wage is to make sure that all employees receive reasonable compensation for their work. Creating a sub-group who can be paid less than minimum wage defeats the purpose of having one.

From what I can see, the arguments for mandatory tipping here are either emotionally driven or based on the argument that mandatory tipping ensures better service, despite the fact that the server is entitled to a gratuity regardless of the level of service received. The second argument is flawed, as a tip that reflects the service given creates a direct feedback loop that causes servers to work harder for their gratuity. For the first argument, see my title. I don't care. I'm not crying for the servers. If they're not getting paid enough, they're the ones who need to do something about it. Not me.