Your feedback required: New Brunswick considering tip differential for servers

(Nov. 18/11) CRFA built on its campaign to postpone New Brunswick’s minimum wage increase from September 2011 to April 2012, convincing government to use this time to study tip differentials for servers.

Give your feedback
The New Brunswick government is now soliciting public input on the introduction of a tip differential. This is your opportunity to be heard.  Click here to fill the government’s online survey.

Why a tip differential works
A tip differential is a special minimum wage lower than the general minimum wage rate, used to recognize that servers earn a significant portion of their income from tips or gratuities.

Under CRFA’s proposal, those who can serve liquor during their shift could be paid the lower minimum wage – consistent with practices in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, and similar to Quebec. Wages would not be rolled back for servers but the differential would kick in during the scheduled minimum wage increase in April.

Given a weak economy and ever-increasing costs of labour, food, beverage and energy, CRFA believes a tip differential would help the industry in these ways:

CRFA continues to press the need for a tip differential. In November, we discussed the issue with Premier Alward and Government Caucus. We will continue discussions with decision-makers, media and foodservice operators.