In 2020 and years prior, I tipped the customary 20% and said that every year, I'd go down a 5% step. Well it's 2024 and here I am, tipping 0% everywhere (except if the person is not a stranger because I'm only a partial jerk). It's interesting how much more common it is to be asked for tips since I started reducing my tipping.
@levisan Wait, even for service staff?
@LouisIngenthron Indeed.
I'm fine with the concept of directly tipping an individual, especially in a situation where they aren't paid a just wage in anticipation of tipping.
But here in Alberta, there is no special minimum wage for service staff and tips are usually handled by the business and split among staff. Not to mention that it's becoming A Thing to add a not-optional "tip" surcharge along with the regular optional one.
As far as I can tell, the best way for me, a lowly individual, to improve the system is to not tip, thus causing service staff to take action to get better pay (or a better employer).
In the end, I want service staff to be paid fairly by their employer for the work they do, to have any gratuities be done out of free will and not out of obligation (social or otherwise).