Why We Got Involved
The Government is rewriting the rules on tipping. These rules decide who gets the money customers leave — and whether employers can interfere. Solidarity stepped in with its opinion because too many bosses still pocket, manipulate, or mis‑allocate tips, and workers deserve every penny intended for them. Simple as that.
What Solidarity Told Them
- Consultation must be real, not a tick‑box
The draft Code says employers must “consult” workers. We told them: consultation means nothing if bosses can ignore the outcome. Workers need proper representation, time to respond, and protection from pushback. - Too much employer power
The Code gives employers huge discretion over how tips are shared. That’s how you end up with:
managers taking big slices,
kitchen staff excluded,
part‑timers (often women) losing out,
systems shaped by customer bias.
We demanded clearer rules and worker‑led oversight.
- Agency workers get a raw deal
Agencies and hirers pass the buck between them. Result: agency workers miss out on tips they earned.
We called for mandatory sharing of policies, equal access to consultation, and clear accountability. - Transparency shouldn’t depend on “asking nicely”
Under the draft Code, workers must request tipping records. We told them: publish tip distribution monthly — automatically. No fear, no favour, no hiding. - Define “significant influence” properly
Employers can still dodge responsibility by claiming they didn’t “control” tips. We demanded a clear definition so bosses can’t rebrand service charges or fiddle systems. - Stop indirect discrimination
Tip systems often disadvantage:
younger workers,
migrant workers,
part‑timers,
disabled workers.
We pushed for stronger safeguards and real examples in the Code.
Our Bottom Line
Tips belong to workers — not managers, not agencies, not employers. The Government’s draft Code is a step forward, but still too weak. Solidarity has made it clear: workers need stronger rights, stronger transparency, and stronger enforcement.
We’ll keep fighting until tipping systems are genuinely fair.
By Maria Camara
