For years servers have been forced to share their hard-earned tips with kitchen staff and management. Every day I worked, a portion of my earnings was given to the kitchen and management. This practice has been going on for years while servers like myself were making less than minimum wage due to our reliance on tips.

This unfair practice not only diminishes our income but also undermines the purpose of tipping which is meant as a direct reward for good service provided by the servers. According to Statistics Canada, full-time waitstaff earn an average annual salary of $20,000 - significantly lower than the national average income. Yet we are expected to share this meagre income with other staff members who are already earning at least minimum wage.

The Ontario Ministry of Labour clearly states that employers cannot withhold tips or other gratuities from employees or make deductions from their employees' tips to cover business costs (Employment Standards Act 2000). Despite this clear legislation, many establishments continue this unjust practice.

We need your help in putting an end to this exploitation. We call upon local authorities and employment regulators in Ontario to strictly enforce existing laws prohibiting tip pooling with kitchen staff and management. Let's ensure fair wages for all restaurant workers! Please sign this petition if you believe that servers should keep their rightfully earned tips.