4.1 How much is minimum wage? Minimum wage means the employer cannot pay the employee less than
the rate set by the government. There are three (3) different minimum
wage rates. The rate depends on the kind of job. As of August 2006:
The employer can pay an employee more than minimum wage, but never less. It depends on the agreement between the employer and employee.
4.2 What is a tip employee? A tip employee is paid an hourly rate plus money left by the customer. Tip employees work in:
4.3 I am a tip employee. What is my salary? The salary for a tip employee includes the hourly minimum wage rate of $7.00 plus
all tips you get from customers.
If you get your tips directly from the customers, you must tell your employer in writing
how much you received during each pay period. You must do so because your tips are
part of your salary. Your employer must know the total amount you earned so he can
know how much vacation and holiday pay to give you.
Do not forget that you must report your full income to the government on your income tax return. This includes the tips as well as your hourly salary.
Sometimes your employer collects the tip for you, for example, when the tip is automatically included in the bill. He must pay you these tips. You do not have to declare these tips on your income tax return if your employer has already added them to your salary.
Finally, your employer cannot force you to share your tips with other workers. You and the other workers can decide to share your tips, but you must all agree.