I don’t think servers or tip based employees want to do away with tipping for a fixed wage. I was a server in high school and loved walking out with instant cash in my pocket. I also was taxed a flat 12% by the government on my sales (may have changed), and as I earned more in tips than 12% it was also a benefit. Technically you are suppose to track and report actual amount if different….but we didn’t as high school kids. Now that most purchases are credit cards and not cash that may be different as it is tracked more easily.
One thing that does suck however is the $2.13 hourly rate. I waited tables in the late 80’s (I’m old), and I was paid $2.01 per hour. So while there has been several increases to base minimum wage, almost none to servers hourly wage. It should have grown at least equally to growth in standard minimum wages.
Having said this, I agree on having a request for tip being everywhere? If a counter employee is making minimum wage or higher, you are being paid to do the job that you are now asking for a tip on. If you want to give back the difference between your wage and $2.13/hour and then work for tips, great! But they won’t and don’t.
Tip well for employees who are tip/service based employees…especially if they do a good job. Non-Tip based (per minimum wage guide lines) are being paid to do a good job. They should not require additional compensation.