Restaurant Workers Deserve a Livable Wage, Too

Growing up in the Restaurant Industry

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Introduction

As a child, I admired my father and aunt who pursued careers in the restaurant industry after immigrating from Eritrea in the 1970s. Following in their footsteps, I also chose to work in a restaurant. However, despite taking pride in my work, I faced numerous challenges and hardships.

Working Conditions

• I often worked 10-12 hour shifts, six days a week, constantly on my feet.
• I had no access to affordable healthcare.
• I was unaware of my worker rights.
• I struggled financially and worried about money.

The Issue of Subminimum Wage

Restaurant servers are subjected to a subminimum wage due to laws that trace back to slavery. At the federal level, this wage has remained stagnant at $2.13 per hour since 1991. If tips do not bring the hourly pay up to the regular minimum wage, employers are legally required to compensate for the difference. However, non-compliance with this regulation is widespread.

Personal Experience

When I started working as a server in 2018, my hourly wage was $3.89. During the five-month off-season, it was particularly challenging to reach the local minimum wage, especially when I had sections with empty tables. Furthermore, when I sustained an injury at work and inquired about workers’ compensation, my manager terminated my employment.

I also encountered instances of wage theft and workplace discrimination, which further motivated me to join the movement against the exploitation of restaurant workers.

The Movement for Change

There is a growing movement across the country demanding livable wages for restaurant workers. Organizers are actively working towards implementing minimum wage hikes for tipped workers through ballot initiatives in various states, including Ohio, Maine, Maryland, and Massachusetts. Additionally, several states are considering legislation to address this issue.

Challenges Ahead

It is important to note that opposition to these efforts will be significant and fierce.

Personal Experience in Washington, D.C.

I currently reside in Washington, D.C. In 2018, I celebrated when D.C. voters approved a ballot initiative to phase out the local subminimum wage for tipped workers. However, the city council obstructed the wage hike, prompting organizers to launch another successful ballot initiative in 2022.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The article discusses issues related to poverty, access to healthcare, worker rights, wage inequality, and discrimination, which are all connected to the above-mentioned Sustainable Development Goals.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
• SDG 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential healthcare services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
• SDG 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
• SDG 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
• SDG 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage, and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality.

These targets address the issues of poverty reduction, access to healthcare, ending discrimination against women, promoting decent work and equal pay, and reducing inequalities.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Proportion of men, women, and children living in poverty (SDG 1.2)
• Access to affordable healthcare services (SDG 3.8)
• Incidents of workplace discrimination against women (SDG 5.1)
• Percentage of workers with full and productive employment and decent work (SDG 8.5)
• Income inequality measures (SDG 10.4)

These indicators can be used to track the progress made in achieving the targets related to poverty reduction, healthcare access, ending discrimination, promoting decent work, and reducing inequalities.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: inequality.org

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