I have been waiting tables for almost 10 years now. Over that time I have witnessed minimum wage increase to over $7/hr. It is expected to continue to rise over the next few years. Meanwhile server minimum wage has stagnated at $2.13/hr, and tips are on the decline. I do not think that it should fall on the people to "just tip more." I still firmly believer that 10-15% is an acceptable amount, with anymore being at the customers discretion.
$2.13/hr is insulting and unfair. It is insulting in that bussers and bartenders, both of whom recieve tips, still (often times) get at least or more than minimum wage. The kitchen staff, or back of house staff, get paid upwards from $10/hr. It is like saying servers do not deserve a fair rate of pay, yet we have to sit by and watch our co-workers recieve raises, that our job just isn't worth more. It is unfair because not only has regular minimum wage gone up, but cost of living has increased as well. This effect natrually leaves people inclined to tip less as their lives have become increasingly exspensive to live, a fact we all face now.
If you are a server or not, please support this cause. Thank you. Jason Marcano.