Amazon closing AmazonSmile

[Quoth]

I think minimum pay is a lot lower in USA than Western Europe?
You don't tip at a cafe or ordinary restaurant here in Ireland.
The legal minimum Adult wage is €11.30 per hour, which is about $12.30 today, but mostly it's places like McDonalds that pay as poorly as that.

But there is certainly an issue on working conditions. However some call centres are also poor on toilet breaks and paying minimum wage.

The Irish minimum living wage is higher and most employers pay more or commit to that as a minimum rather than the legal minimum wage. A national living wage will replace the national minimum wage from 2026. In January 2023 the minimum living wage is thought to be €13.85 per hour, about $15 per hour today.

Also so called "Zero hours" contracts may now be illegal.

[ApK]

Originally Posted by Quoth

I think minimum pay is a lot lower in USA than Western Europe?

States have minimum wages that are often higher than federal minimum. This year NJ went to just over $14/hr.

And, of course, many jobs start higher than minimum, and minimum wage is a starting wage. Even in a "minimum wage job" pay typically increases if you stay a while and provide some value. You're not supposed to be planning a long term career and raising a family on minimum wage.

[janrey]

Originally Posted by Paperbackstash

Aw, that is a shame.

I will say that Amazon kept reverting from my smile link and I kept forgetting about it half the time, but I did like the program, just wished they kept the settings saved properly. I had chosen a rabbit rescue organization.

Yes, and I supported a Dogs for Vets with PSTD. They also do dogs for kids that have special needs. A great training group. They didn't get much a year but every little bit for them helps and I order a lot from Amazon.

[janrey]

Originally Posted by Quoth

I think minimum pay is a lot lower in USA than Western Europe?
You don't tip at a cafe or ordinary restaurant here in Ireland.
The legal minimum Adult wage is €11.30 per hour, which is about $12.30 today, but mostly it's places like McDonalds that pay as poorly as that.

But there is certainly an issue on working conditions. However some call centres are also poor on toilet breaks and paying minimum wage.

The Irish minimum living wage is higher and most employers pay more or commit to that as a minimum rather than the legal minimum wage. A national living wage will replace the national minimum wage from 2026. In January 2023 the minimum living wage is thought to be €13.85 per hour, about $15 per hour today.

Also so called "Zero hours" contracts may now be illegal.

Many states have higher minimum wage than the Federal law but wait staff at restaurants are exempt because they get tips. The wait staff don't want it to change here because they make far more in tips than they would get in wages if they got the minimum. McDonalds AFAIK is paying $15/hour now.

[Apache]

Originally Posted by janrey

Many states have higher minimum wage than the Federal law but wait staff at restaurants are exempt because they get tips. The wait staff don't want it to change here because they make far more in tips than they would get in wages if they got the minimum. McDonalds AFAIK is paying $15/hour now.

Most fast-food restaurants are paying at least $15.00/hour to start. They have to if they want any employees. And even with this they tend to be shorthanded.
Apache

[ZodWallop]

Originally Posted by janrey

Many states have higher minimum wage than the Federal law but wait staff at restaurants are exempt because they get tips.

That feels like such a scam. I'm a good tipper, but I'd much rather the wait staff was just properly compensated in the first place.

[theducks]

Originally Posted by DuckieTigger

In the same sense income tax is paid for by the employer and not the employee, because the employer gives the money to the employee.

The wording in California sales tax form is 'reimbursement'
I reimburse the seller for the Tax Due.
OTOH there is also a rule on 'Over Reimbursement' (collecting tax at higher than the allowed rate).

[Paperbackstash]

Originally Posted by ZodWallop

That feels like such a scam. I'm a good tipper, but I'd much rather the wait staff was just properly compensated in the first place.

Servers can actually make a lot of money in comparison to many fields depending on tips, but if it's a slow night it can make a difference or those annoying tables they run them ragged in large parties and hardly tip

[jhowell]

Some restaurants where I live in Florida are switching to a 20% service charge added to each bill. Patrons can add an additional tip if desired but it is not expected or required. Complaints about bad service need to be dealt with by the management. That is fine with me since that is what I normally tip anyway.

[John F]

Originally Posted by Paperbackstash

Servers can actually make a lot of money in comparison to many fields depending on tips, but if it's a slow night it can make a difference or those annoying tables they run them ragged in large parties and hardly tip

And if it is a good night, or a large party that tips very generously, ...

It's like many jobs, there are good days and bad days. I have a relative who is the head cook/chef at a relatively nice restaurant, and he says the waitstaff makes more money then the head cook/chef.

[ownedbycats]

Originally Posted by jhowell

Some restaurants where I live in Florida are switching to a 20% service charge added to each bill. Patrons can add an additional tip if desired but it is not expected or required. Complaints about bad service need to be dealt with by the management. That is fine with me since that is what I normally tip anyway.

Just... add it to the price and pay the employees properly?

[jhowell]

Originally Posted by ownedbycats

Just... add it to the price and pay the employees properly?

That’s just crazy talk! Why do that when a restaurant can get away with advertising one price but actually charging 20% more.

[stumped]

Originally Posted by ZodWallop

That feels like such a scam. I'm a good tipper, but I'd much rather the wait staff was just properly compensated in the first place.

How many people tip their Amazon warehouse staff?

Here in UK, where some of those guys are finally striking, their wages are at absolute legal minimums, and they have timed toilet breaks with management pressure to p*ss less often and faster.

They won't get what they are asking for, because they are back of the queue for public sympathy , behind all the nurses and teachers.

but its yet another reason to stop supporting amazon

[ApK]

Originally Posted by stumped

Here in UK, where some of those guys are finally striking, their wages are at absolute legal minimums, and they have timed toilet breaks with management pressure to p*ss less often and faster.

Any proof? Is the labor situation so bad in the UK that there are no minimum wage jobs available with better conditions anywhere around?

[stumped]

Originally Posted by ApK

Any proof? Is the labor situation so bad in the UK that there are no minimum wage jobs available with better conditions anywhere around?

well its the wrong time of the year for fruit picking, so most of the rest of the country are at home on "gig economy" zero hours contracts. Brexit was such an amazing shoot ourselves in the foot experience.

read amazon employee interviews here

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-64384287
https://news.sky.com/story/amazon-st...today-12794634

I was chatting to our Amazon delivery courier today , as he dropped off my son's usual heap of orders - nice man, but we did not mention the toilet breaks ...