Alberta’s lagging wages putting pressure on tip culture

Alberta’s minimum wage is the lowest out of all Canadian provinces next to Saskatchewan, but does the lack of wage increases put pressure on more Calgarians to tip? Margot Rubin reports.

[InvisibleHotdog]

It used to be tips before taxes too, now it's after taxes. And every machine asks even before service, what an absolute joke

[Joe-Tdot]

Full service restaurant I will tip, pickup orders i will never tip.

[jamespatrick]

Why should we tip so that businesses can pay their employees less??!?! This is so ridiculous, pay your employees! I would put minimum wage at $25.00 hour, done! Let's get real with the reality of life these days.

[TveTop]

Tiping got out of hand. They ask for tip everywhere now, its crazy

[Gryphyn]

I've recented stopped tipping. It isn't that I can't afford to. Its because of the entitlement and lack of courtesy from these people in the service industry. From posts online whining about not getting enough tips to the in person attitudes of no please, thank yous or smiles.

[Sierrapapanovember]

No. Tip culture is way out of control.

[robmainville]

No, it’s not lagging wages
It’s people being taxed to death, people having less money than they used to, people are tightening up and trying to save whatever money they can.

[xsword]

😂 wage increase, cost increase too, and work double.

[Hawk-ktlk]

I never pay tips for anything other than sit down restaurants. Today I got a coffee at Starbucks and the tip option in the machine started at 20%!!! For Starbucks!! I used to pay 15% always, now this has gone so far and being asked in so many locations that makes no sense and even offer no service, that I actually cut it back to between 10 to 12%, to count for the fact that tips are included for the after tax amount and I will just tip on the actual cost.
However, I’ll probably start tipping a standard $2. How was service any different if I order steak and someone order fries, it’s like I’m being punished for ordering something more expensive.

[rodgergarvie]

Imagine Tipping a Migrant at Tim's that Stole your Teens summer Job and can't speak English so gets your order Wrong! No Tips ! 😂 😆

[ian]

I just don't eat out less to even things out.

[vasilytanygin]

Just check the tips in BC. Good luck to find 10% suggestion.

[BDee]

Bag your own stuff and get out of the cashier's face!

[rhonda]

With tax and tip, can't afford the meal😁 A bag of coffee around 10$ and lasts a month. A cup of coffee out is 5$ with tax and tip.

[KB-----]

I've stopped going to restaurants and fast food. Maybe the odd time for a date, birthday, or gathering, but I'm bringing back the house party and bbqing with friends.

[Drazean]

There is no need to feel pressured or guilty about it. I only pay tips for outstanding services. If the service is average I do not.

[LohenArc]

This is one of the many reasons why I prefer the Tim Hortons down the block to the Starbucks in the same building.
Tim Hortons is cheaper and doesn't even ask for a tip.
Starbucks is more expensive and expects a minimum of 15%.
The quality difference comes nowhere close to making up for the actual cost.

[johncros]

Employers should shoulder the cost of service from the workers they are the one who benefit more in terms of profits .

[TveTop]

It started with COVID where people were nice and willing to tip to support businesses. Well the businesses “took the finger and the arm too” now and made that a new norm. No thank you

[ABNDT]

Now do the cost of living &: affordability compared to other provinces