The recent implementation of a new tip-sharing policy by Dark Horse Espresso Bar, a Toronto-based cafe chain, has sparked outrage among its employees and reignited the debate on how tips should be allocated amongst staff. The policy, which takes 17% of tips from baristas and front-of-house staff and redistributes them to bakers, upper management, and other employees, has been met with intense backlash from employees who claim they are losing hundreds of dollars a month in pay. Despite the company's claims that the policy was implemented in consultation with employees and is aligned with employment standards, many argue that it is unfair and exploitative. The controversy highlights the complexities and grey areas surrounding tipping and tip-sharing practices in the service industry, raising questions about who should be part of a tip pool and who shouldn't. As the debate continues, it's clear that the practice of tipping is fraught with issues and uncertainties, and it's time to reexamine the way we compensate our service industry workers.
Enjoying the read? Subscribe for free to one of the fastest-growing newsletters and get weekly coffee news (TL;DR updates) delivered right to your inbox.