A chara, – “A 10 per cent tip in a restaurant is standard” (PriceWatch, October 3rd). Where, and since when? This US cultural epithet has undermined labour laws and the protection of workers.
I speak from experience. While working at a restaurant in the US, a waiter-colleague of mine once produced his payslip; he had worked 30 hours that week and received a pay cheque (after tax) for $1.23! He was forced into a ridiculous theatre at every tableside in order to make each customer “feel special”.
While the restaurateur is guaranteed the price on the menu, and has immediate recourse to law in the event if non-payment, the server exists in the spailpín’s world of the past. This is no modern sophistication; it is the oldest sophistry of abuse. – Is mise,