Tipped employees at the mercy of favoritism

by Karen Johnson
(Florida)

My job is a waitress, I work with a variety of age groups, and experience levels. My boss repeatedly gives this one waitress really great tipping parties. She makes double or triple what I, or others make based on hours worked. This has gone unchecked, because no one will speak up for fear of losing their job for making waves. I am sick of it, and ready to quit, but before I do that, I'd like to know how I can resolve this. I think I should go over my boss' head to his supervisor, I have proof of this favoritism in writing.

Response from Carl: Thanks Karen, and sorry about your predicament. It sounds like you're ready to quit but want to try one last time to see if you can get the situation resolved. Rather than going over your boss's head, I'd suggest approaching your boss first to see why you're not getting the hours your colleague is and see what the response is. Going over boss's head will no doubt come back to your boss so I'd be prepared for the response.

Again, you do refer to quitting so it sounds like you're ready to pack it in but I'd approach your boss first to see why you aren't getting the extra hours and letting your boss know that you are interested in them, before doing anything else.

Carl