I was a server and bartender for eight years, and I definitely agree the industry is plagued with sexual harassment and transgressions on most labor protections. However, I think I'd challenge the idea that this is "skilled" labor. By definition, those are roles that require some higher education. There's nothing too terribly complex about listening to order, plugging them in a POS, and delivering food and drinks. Yes, sure, if businesses can't hire staff, they should raise wages. But trust me, as a small business reporter, I have literally seen the balance sheets of many small restaurants and coffee shops. They're not making the big bucks off the backs of their staff. Their margins are tiny. If they pay the workers more, we will surely pay more in menu prices to make up for it. That's not just something business owners say. It's a reality. But like you say, customers are chomping at the bit to eat out at restaurants. They'll probably pay the higher price without concern. But, you know, heyyyy inflation. People ignored this as a crazy right-wing claim, and yet the BLS is reporting the largest jump in monthly inflation this week since 1982.
I was a server and bartender for eight years, and I definitely agree the industry is plagued with sexual harassment and transgressions on most labor protections. However, I think I'd challenge the idea that this is "skilled" labor. By definition, those are roles that require some higher education. There's nothing too terribly complex about listening to order, plugging them in a POS, and delivering food and drinks. Yes, sure, if businesses can't hire staff, they should raise wages. But trust me, as a small business reporter, I have literally seen the balance sheets of many small restaurants and coffee shops. They're not making the big bucks off the backs of their staff. Their margins are tiny. If they pay the workers more, we will surely pay more in menu prices to make up for it. That's not just something business owners say. It's a reality. But like you say, customers are chomping at the bit to eat out at restaurants. They'll probably pay the higher price without concern. But, you know, heyyyy inflation. People ignored this as a crazy right-wing claim, and yet the BLS is reporting the largest jump in monthly inflation this week since 1982.
EXCELLENT WORK <3