Tipped Worker Profile: Brooklyn Cole

As a server supporting myself through school and as an artist for the past ten years, I know how hard it can be to live on tips alone. I have received an actual check from my employers only a handful of times. Usually, I receive a notice that says my base wage of $2.13 has gone to pay my taxes. As a server, I am reliant on tips, and those are vulnerable to the moods of customers and other circumstances outside my control. From those tips, I then have to share a percentage with the support staff – bussers, hosts, and bartenders.

Additionally, I work an extra hour before and after my shifts doing “side work” (cleaning and restocking) where I do not receive tips. That is two hours of work for only $2.13 an hour. I am involved in the Fair Eats Campaign because 19 years is too long for servers to make only $2.13 an hour. Profits and living expenses have increased, and the minimum wage for tipped workers must, too.

Brooklyn Cole is a 9to5 Atlanta member.