Toronto MPP thinks tips should go to staff, not management

By Tyson Leonard

Worker’s tips will stay out of the pockets of management if a Toronto politician has his way.

NDP MPP Michael Prue introduced a private members bill on June 11 that proposes changes to the Employment Standards Act. The changes would ban managers and owners from taking any tips earned by their staff.

“It seemed to me to be totally, totally wrong that people who get less than minimum wage, and are expected to survive on their tips, have those tips skimmed off by managers and owners,” said Prue.

Prue said that when people tip they tip for good service from the staff.

“The tips were not intended for the establishment, it was intended for the individual,” said Prue.

Prue said his bill would allow workers to address the issue with the law on their side.

“Now they will be able to complain if the employer (takes tips), if my bill passes,” said Prue.

The Denny’s restaurant in Belleville is already complying by the proposed bill.

“The bosses don’t touch a penny,” said Susan Armstrong, restaurant manager.

Armstrong said she agrees with the bill. Tips are for the people who don’t make as much money.

At Denny’s, servers make minimum wage. The minimum wage for any server working in a licensed establishment is $8.90.

Servers at Denny’s are required to tip out. This means a portion of every server’s tips goes toward the other staff in the restaurant.

“(Tipout) goes to the hostesses, the dishwashers, and the cooks,” said Armstrong.

“It takes everybody in the restaurant to make the restaurant work properly.”

The private members bill is set to be voted on in November of this year.

“I haven’t met a person in the legislature who hasn’t supported it,” said Prue.

Both Premier Dalton McGuinty and Labour Minister Linda Jeffrey have expressed support for the bill.