Barbara Ehrenreich, college graduate and journalist, wanted to see first-hand, how the poor lived after the Clinton Administration welfare reforms. She thought that she could save money and figure out ways to move out of poverty. Nickel and Dimed, published in 2001, details what she discovered.
She found that low paid workers are caught. The work is often physically demanding, often involves a long commute, and usually lacks any kind of job security. She learned why low paid workers sometimes live in more expensive motels than in cheaper apartments. It isn’t because they are stupid; it’s because they can’t afford first and last month’s rent. One of the jobs she took was that of waitress, and it was brutal. Most of the readers of this blog do not have that kind of experience. Neither do I.
I am sorry to admit I did not know until a few weeks ago that workers who receive tips (usually waitresses) have a different minimum wage than other employees. The federal minimum wage that you usually hear about is $7.25 an hour. “Tipped workers” have a minimum wage rate of $2.83 an hour.
In Pennsylvania. $2.83 an hour.
Not certain but in Illinois it is comparable. I've always known it was considerably lower, that is why I do try to tip accoringly. Many or most people are not aware of the lower rate for tipped workers. Like the song goes "She Works Hard For The Money".
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