The Enterprise. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 192?-1930, 1927-10-28
GOVT. REPORTS
LABOR UNIONS
OPPOSE TIPPING

WASHINGTON, d. c., Oct. 81
The tipping system is opposed by
organized labor in practically all oc-
cupations in which the system is
prevalent, according to the Bureau
Of Labor Statistics, based upon a
study of the question just made
public by the Department of Labor
Tipping, says the statement,
'is in essence merely a method by
which the public supplements the
inadequate wages paid by employ
ers.
ut implies servility on the part
of the recipient, and is thus opposed
to the principles of trade unionism.
The unions affected are in favor of
the complete abolition of tipping
and a corresponding increase in
straight wages"
A statement summarizing the re-
suits of the study follows in full
text:
The question of the desirability of
abolishing the tipping system is re-
ceiying the attention of the trades
subject to this method of remunera-
tion. Conspicuous among these are
the so-called personal service oc-
upations-those of the Pullman
pGrters, walters and mattresses,
and hack drivers, BARRIERS,
employers of beauty parIors, etc.
Employer Welcomes Tips
"The employer feels that the ac-
ceptance of tips by his employees re-
lieves him of the obligation to pay
full wages, and tips. thereafter, have
to take the place of wages. The re-
suit is a wage wholly inadequate for
the maintenance of family, and to
make up the deficit the employe
must depend upon the generosity
Of the patron, and uncertain factor
at best.
Public Dislikes Tips
1t is safe to say that the abolition
Of tipping would be welcomed by the
public. Many patrons now tip be-
cause they feel that the tip insurer
better service, or because without ii
the service will be mediocre.
Many do so because they are cog
infant of the fact that the clipped"
occupations are usually underpaid
Jobs and that the tip is the neces-
5ary supplement to the wage, or do |
so, unwillingly, because they think
hat the tip is expected and they |
feel they must do the usual
hing.
Walters and Chauffeurs
The official policy of the Inter-
rational Brotherhood of Teamsters,
Chauffeurs, Stablemen and Helpers |
If America is that of opposition to |
he tipping system, on the ground |
hat acceptance of tips places the |
'ecipient in the position that "the
pest cure for it is to raise wages"
Pullman Porters
One of the main demands of the
brotherhood is that the tipping prac-
ice be abolished The union points !
,ut that the minimum wage rate of |
,orters is $72.50 per month. Over
ime is received after 900 miles
lave been Travelled, such pay rails
ng the average monthly compensa-
ion, received from the company to
i7S.11.
This was disclosed by returns on
/ questionnaire from 67S regular
ind 104 extra porters. The tips
tveraged $5S.15 per month. The |.
inion is making a stand for a
minimum rate of $50 month and
he abolition of the tipping system.
BARRIERS
The desirability of tipping is be-
ng thrashed out in the Journeymen
3arbers' International Union. The
question was precipitated by the
lction of the employers organiza-
ion, the Associated Master BARRIERS,
n its convention held in November,
1926. The matter will doubtless
.ome UP for attention at the 1927
of the union.