Florida Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees

[Dean]

Since we sometimes talk about minimum wage and tipped positions as it pertains to DVC, I saw some interesting data recently.

The federal minimum wage for tipped workers is $2.13 an hour. However, tipped workers in Florida must be paid at least $4.19 per hour effective January 1, 2009.

From the same article

Very often, tipped employees of various types – bus persons, servers, service bartenders, and bellhops – will pool and share their tips equally. This is entirely legal. It is a “valid tip pool” if no salaried managers are included. There are some exceptions. A salaried manager could be part of the tip pool if he or she were a bus person, a service bartender, or held some other service position receiving tips. In reality, however, at least 90% of salaried managers will choose not to be part of the pool. Restaurants, usually in the “off season,” will use this practice to minimize differences between staff incomes.

Servers will sometimes “tip out,” or share a specific percentage of their tips with bus persons, service bartenders, or other workers whose cooperation and goodwill they may depend upon.

I'm providing this for informational purposes only, I thought some might be interested in the info.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Dean, since Disney does not consider mousekeeping a tipped position, does that mean their minimum wage is higher?

 

[Dean]

Dean, since Disney does not consider mousekeeping a tipped position, does that mean their minimum wage is higher?

$7.21 as of January. From what I've seen, they start at around $8 an hour currently.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Okay...interesting. So about the same as the non-tipped fast food employees.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Around $8 an hour, 40 hours, 52 weeks, we're talking about something like $16 -17000 a year. My thought is that a tip would be appreciated.

Now does their position get as high as $11? That's around $23,000. I know there is resistence to tip mousekeepers, but I don't feel that way.

Bobbi

 

[lisah0711]

I know there is resistence to tip mousekeepers, but I don't feel that way.

ITA!

 

[Dean]

Around $8 an hour, 40 hours, 52 weeks, we're talking about something like $16 -17000 a year. My thought is that a tip would be appreciated.

Now does their position get as high as $11? That's around $23,000. I know there is resistence to tip mousekeepers, but I don't feel that way.

Bobbi

It's starting plus benefits package. I am not overly familiar with the benefits package, pay ceiling, paid vacations or bonus structure other than to have the impression they are all fairly generous with Disney and to know that such benefits must be included in the overall pay evaluation, unlike McDonald's. Most entry level positions that pay in this range will get upwards of $12-15 an hour or more it seems in a fully mature position for a HIGH performer. I don't tip people simply for doing their job, even if they do it well, if they are in a non tipped position. I do tip if they do something extra. OTOH, I go out of my way to acknowledge someone who does their job well, even if it's what's expected, often by running down a manager or contacting corporate for the entity involved. BTW, those type of acknowledgments are often worth far more to the employee over time than a simple tip would be. I know Disney has a very extensive reward system when such compliments come through for a given CM.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I do try to always remember to write a note when a CM does something that especially makes me smile. I am happy to read Dean's last sentence about Disney's reward system.

When I complained to Disney regarding the 18% that would automatically be added to DDE/TiW charges, I specifically objected to buffet servers who, in my mind at least, do not do as much as table service servers and who in our experience had been less than conscientious in clearing dishes. The answer came back to me that if there is a problem to notify the manager then and there because people want to do a great job and immediate feedback is better than something that's mentioned days/weeks afterwards. Now I still feel that I shouldn't have to tip 18% when I've had to mention poor service, but I do not fight the system. However, I do have a question about the 18% now, is that a tip? Does the server get it? My question comes from the "Service charge" that's mentioned in Dean's link. Our server at Chef de France specifically mentioned that I could leave a tip aside from the "gratuity" and I thought he was splitting hairs. Does anyone have knowledge that the servers are getting the 18% added by the TiW?

Bobbi

 

[Dean]

When I complained to Disney regarding the 18% that would automatically be added to DDE/TiW charges, I specifically objected to buffet servers who, in my mind at least, do not do as much as table service servers and who in our experience had been less than conscientious in clearing dishes. The answer came back to me that if there is a problem to notify the manager then and there because people want to do a great job and immediate feedback is better than something that's mentioned days/weeks afterwards. Now I still feel that I shouldn't have to tip 18% when I've had to mention poor service, but I do not fight the system. However, I do have a question about the 18% now, is that a tip? Does the server get it? My question comes from the "Service charge" that's mentioned in Dean's link. Our server at Chef de France specifically mentioned that I could leave a tip aside from the "gratuity" and I thought he was splitting hairs. Does anyone have knowledge that the servers are getting the 18% added by the TiW?

Bobbi

For tipped positions we often over tip using the standards and consistently tip on any pre discount amount. One of the reasons is that we tend to be light eaters often sharing and the standard % of tip would give them less. I generally tip assuming we had ordered 2 meals of the same size and then adjust upwards or downwards from there. As I've mentioned before, I am a rule follower by nature. For those of you that are, you know that it really bothers you to differ from the "rules" without a good and specific reason to do so.

 

[dianeschlicht]

It's starting plus benefits package. I am not overly familiar with the benefits package, pay ceiling, paid vacations or bonus structure other than to have the impression they are all fairly generous with Disney and to know that such benefits must be included in the overall pay evaluation, unlike McDonald's. Most entry level positions that pay in this range will get upwards of $12-15 an hour or more it seems in a fully mature position for a HIGH performer. I don't tip people simply for doing their job, even if they do it well, if they are in a non tipped position. I do tip if they do something extra. OTOH, I go out of my way to acknowledge someone who does their job well, even if it's what's expected, often by running down a manager or contacting corporate for the entity involved. BTW, those type of acknowledgments are often worth far more to the employee over time than a simple tip would be. I know Disney has a very extensive reward system when such compliments come through for a given CM.

I agree, Dean. If I have to call mousekeeping or the front desk about a problem, I'm not inclined to also leave a tip. I DO like to acknowledge good service with a note though, because I know they get rewarded for those. That seems to me to be a double reward...both the praise, AND the reward from management if they accumulate a lot of acolades.

 

[crisi]

also

http://www.dol.gov/elaws/faq/esa/flsa/002.htm

What is the minimum wage for workers who receive tips?

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires payment of at least the federal minimum wage to covered, nonexempt employees. An employer of a tipped employee is only required to pay $2.13 an hour in direct wages if that amount plus the tips received equals at least the federal minimum wage, the employee retains all tips and the employee customarily and regularly receives more than $30 a month in tips. If an employee's tips combined with the employer's direct wages of at least $2.13 an hour do not equal the federal minimum hourly wage, the employer must make up the difference.

Some states have minimum wage laws specific to tipped employees. When an employee is subject to both the federal and state wage laws, the employee is entitled to the provisions which provides the greater benefits.

Yes, your server might get paid as low as $2.13 an hour. But the employer is required to make sure that they make at least the federal minimum wage in tips + base pay, or make up the difference.

Which isn't a lot of money - I'm not arguing against tipping. Just pointing out that if the employer is in compliance with federal law, they do not make less than the federal minimum wage, no matter how many of their customers stiff them.

 

[PrincessKitty1]

also

http://www.dol.gov/elaws/faq/esa/flsa/002.htm



Yes, your server might get paid as low as $2.13 an hour. But the employer is required to make sure that they make at least the federal minimum wage in tips + base pay, or make up the difference.

Which isn't a lot of money - I'm not arguing against tipping. Just pointing out that if the employer is in compliance with federal law, they do not make less than the federal minimum wage, no matter how many of their customers stiff them.

I've never worked as a server, but a good friend of mine in college did, and in order to keep her job, she had to sign a statement from her employer stating that his wages + tips equaled minimum wage, even though they rarely did. (Yes, she worked in a pretty cheesy place!). Obviously they were not in compliance with federal law.

 

[littlestar]

I like tipping the housekeepers. Maybe it's a female thing, but I know how much work cleaning is from taking care of my household. I tip for trash and towel and also tip on my check-out day.

I figure maybe the turnover rate at my DVC home won't be so bad if a housekeeper's small wage can be upped by me tipping. I also include a note thanking them for their housekeeping work at my Disney home away from home.

 

[crisi]

I've never worked as a server, but a good friend of mine in college did, and in order to keep her job, she had to sign a statement from her employer stating that his wages + tips equaled minimum wage, even though they rarely did. (Yes, she worked in a pretty cheesy place!). Obviously they were not in compliance with federal law.

I am sure that happens, but it is also illegal. Its probably much less likely to happen in a place like Disney which would loose a lot from a large class action lawsuit.

 

[quirty30]

Housekeepers/Mousekeepers have a very labor intensive job, especially at more upscale properties with luxury bedding and heavy comforters. On days with high turnover, these staff members are getting quite a workout. I can't imagine not tipping them. That being said, I have been known to turn down housekeeping on occasion and just ask for some extra towels. I'm kind of a neat freak when I travel and tend to keep the room pretty tidy on my own. It's one of the reasons DVC appealed to me so much. I really don't need daily housekeeping.

 

[JimC]

I do try to always remember to write a note when a CM does something that especially makes me smile. I am happy to read Dean's last sentence about Disney's reward system.

When I complained to Disney regarding the 18% that would automatically be added to DDE/TiW charges, I specifically objected to buffet servers who, in my mind at least, do not do as much as table service servers and who in our experience had been less than conscientious in clearing dishes. The answer came back to me that if there is a problem to notify the manager then and there because people want to do a great job and immediate feedback is better than something that's mentioned days/weeks afterwards. Now I still feel that I shouldn't have to tip 18% when I've had to mention poor service, but I do not fight the system. However, I do have a question about the 18% now, is that a tip? Does the server get it? My question comes from the "Service charge" that's mentioned in Dean's link. Our server at Chef de France specifically mentioned that I could leave a tip aside from the "gratuity" and I thought he was splitting hairs. Does anyone have knowledge that the servers are getting the 18% added by the TiW?

Bobbi

It's my understanding that the 18% is a gratuity. If you want to tip more, then you may add to that amount. I have had servers remind me that the 18% gratuity is already on the check.

 

[PrincessKitty1]

Housekeepers/Mousekeepers have a very labor intensive job, especially at more upscale properties with luxury bedding and heavy comforters. On days with high turnover, these staff members are getting quite a workout. I can't imagine not tipping them. That being said, I have been known to turn down housekeeping on occasion and just ask for some extra towels. I'm kind of a neat freak when I travel and tend to keep the room pretty tidy on my own. It's one of the reasons DVC appealed to me so much. I really don't need daily housekeeping.

Ditto. We don't particularly like the idea of people being in our room, and we keep it neat, so we usually have a "do not disturb" sign on our door. We do tip when we have housekeeping in though.

Also, I know comforters and blankets don't always get washed between customers , so the first thing DH does is take the comforters off and sandwich the blankets between 2 flat sheets. I don't want a housekeeper coming in and messing up our system!

 

[Dean]

also

http://www.dol.gov/elaws/faq/esa/flsa/002.htm



Yes, your server might get paid as low as $2.13 an hour. But the employer is required to make sure that they make at least the federal minimum wage in tips + base pay, or make up the difference.

Which isn't a lot of money - I'm not arguing against tipping. Just pointing out that if the employer is in compliance with federal law, they do not make less than the federal minimum wage, no matter how many of their customers stiff them.

florida law is more stringent than the federal statutes, that was the main topic of my OP, to quote what FL's requirements currently were.

I do know some timeshares and hotels have had trouble getting adequate help at a price they can afford. Many in HH have taken to importing from the Caribbean for the higher demand times like summer.

I don't want a housekeeper coming in and messing up our system!

Ditto, but I'll go a step further. I don't want anyone messing with my things at any time including car to room, etc; same for the car itself. That's one of the many reasons that timeshares are so much more comfortable for us.

I didn't start the thread to be a back and forth on tipping, merely to present specific info that I haven't seen on the DVC boards and relates to topics we sometimes discuss. I don't mind it becoming a tipping discussion if others want because otherwise it's pretty much done otherwise unless someone has specifics on issues that relate to pay and benefits for Disney as it relates to DVC.

 

[Disney Doll]

I never knew there was resistance to tipping housekeepers. I see a lot of posts about the "Mousekeeping" envelopes. We always tip, especially if they bring us something extra. DH likes Starbucks coffee, and the others we travel with usually like a less bold flavor, so we always request a 2nd coffee pot for the room. When they bring it to us, we tip.

 

[Tozzie]

I find it interesting that WDW doesn't consider Housekeeping a tipped position but I just returned from California and stayed at the Grand Californian Hotel, I was reading the book that tells you all about the resort and the services and amenities and it list tipped positions and Housekeeping is a tipped position in California.