Hands off tipping!

Dear tourism representatives of the Chamber of Commerce,

currently, attempts are being made to instrumentalize the union and the employees of the tourism industry for a diversionary maneuver to cover up the fact that companies have systematically misreported tips.

The episode: Too few social security contributions and lower entitlements for employees – in the event of illness, unemployment or old age. However, companies that do not comply with existing legal and collective bargaining obligations should not get away with it without consequences. They deliberately produce excitement.

We create facts

• Fact 1:
  Tipping is tax-free by law. If it is nevertheless taxed, it is only because companies themselves take measures that make this possible – for example, by introducing flat-rate service surcharges. This is a decision of the entrepreneurs.
• Fact 2:
  There are companies that do not give the tip to the employees, or do not give it in full, but keep it to plug gaps in the system - or to enrich themselves.
• Fact 3:
  Large groups of workers in the industry do not receive tips. Either because they do not serve guests directly (e.g. canteens, commercial kitchens) or because the companies have decided to do so (fast food chains). In general, tip payments are declining overall.
• Fact 4:
  Compared to the industry, tourism has the lowest average incomes.
  Especially for low incomes, every contribution to pensions, unemployment and sickness benefits is crucial. These contributions are to be made by the employers. Failure to perform is tantamount to theft from the employees.

For a systematic problem, you also need a systematic solution.

Our clear demands:

• Protect employees' tips, unemployment benefits, and pensions – even from their own bosses! It must no longer depend on the "good will" of the entrepreneurs whether tips go where they belong – to those who provide the service.
• Tipping belongs to the employees. It is an appreciation of the guests – not an instrument for corporate financing.
• Harsh penalties for companies that have cheated. Companies that have failed to pay correct contributions must pay them in arrears – at their expense – or face penalties.
• Fair wages instead of pity tour. If you want people to stay in the industry, you have to pay them decently and adhere to the existing rules of the game in the collective agreement. Tourism workers must not be dependent on tips. Especially not in an industry that is constantly crying out for new workers and skilled workers.
• Less show, more structure. We must put an end to the constant public outrage – this is the only way we can make the industry fit for the future.