I have been working in the service industry for over two decades, and during this time, I've experienced firsthand the financial challenges that servers and bartenders face. For many companies I've worked with, there was a policy that allowed servers or bartenders to add a 20% auto gratuity on checks when serving groups of six or more people. However, at my current workplace where I've been since its opening three years ago, this is not the case.

This lack of an auto gratuity policy puts us at risk financially. As servers, we are required to tip out our bartenders based on our net sales of both food and drinks. If a large group leaves without tipping appropriately – or worse yet, doesn't tip at all – we end up paying out more than what we earn from that table. 

We as servers only make $2.75 an hour.  Give us the opportunity to make a bit of money.  

This isn't just about me; it's about all those in the service industry who rely on tips as part of their income. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data from May 2020, waiters and waitresses earned median hourly wages (including tips) of $11 per hour (source: BLS). This figure can significantly drop when customers don't tip adequately.

By implementing an automatic 20% gratuity for larger groups - which is common practice in many restaurants - we can ensure fair compensation for hardworking staff members like myself who consistently deliver excellent service.

Help us make this change by signing this petition today! Let's advocate for fair pay policies within the service industry!