August 13, 2026

Letter: Tips shouldn't take the place of worker's wages

In a letter to the editor (July 5), J.E. O'Meara states she wants the world to stop tipping.

Tipping is a way to say "thank you" for a service or favor. Most of the people O'Meara tip are very well paid.

If you had a flat tire on the side of the road and someone driving a Cadillac stopped to help, would you not offer a tip of thanks because of the type of car he was driving? Have you never offered "gas money" to someone who was driving you somewhere when your normal mode of transportation was unavailable?

A tip is not given in place of a wage, it is something given to say thanks for mixing a special drink, for selling the "lucky' coins that you won on a jackpot, or for the "hot" machine you won, or for super service in a restaurant.

You may stop tipping at anytime. But I guarantee this, a simple spoken "thank you" will not always express your appreciation. When that time comes, you "tip"!

Rene Mayas

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