I work as a hostess as Ruby Tuesday. When I started, I was told I'd make $3 an hour plus comission on how much food is sold. The manager said the comission was good money.
But I've been there for a month, and I'm not making good money at all. I found out I'm really making 2.80 an hour, and the comission is crap. I work for 5 hours and end up with 12 bucks. When I add my comission to my paycheck, it still doesn't even make minimum wage.
I complained about this, and I was told, "upsell more expensive food and you'll get more money." I'm a door greeter. It's not my job to take their orders. Is this right?
2007-01-09 13:19:40 · 7 answers · asked by cirque de lune 6 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
I don't have any employee book. I was given on some papers on dress code and expectations. I've looked through them twice. Nothing about my pay.
2007-01-09 13:35:27 · update #1
The point is, I can't upsell food because I don't sell the food at all.
2007-01-09 13:36:28 · update #2
Hostesses are not really considered tipped employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the federal law that sets minimum wage standards. You should be making at least $5.15 per hour, either in straight hourly wage or in wages plus "commission" (that sounds kind of hinky to me, too). I can't think of any FLSA exemption that might apply to your situation that would allow your employer to pay you the way you have described. If I were you, I would contact the Wage and Hour Division of the US Department of Labor. They have investigators there who enforce the FLSA and they can help you determine if you really are being paid in violation and if so, what you want to do about it. You can reach them toll free at 1-866-4US-WAGE, or online at www.dol.gov. Good luck!
2007-01-10 10:55:35 · answer #1 · answered by Poopy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're a tipped worker, it is legal for them to pay you $ 3/hr. Supposedly they're supposed to make up the difference between $ 3/hr and minimum wage if your commissions or tips don't cover it - in practice, NOBODY in the restaurant industry actually does that.
If you want, you can call your state Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division to ask if your being paid legally. Since your job may not be considered a tipped job, you might be getting underpaid.
2007-01-09 13:25:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the state you live in. Somewhere in the back of the restaurant are state/federal labor law signs that must be hung up for people to see. READ THIS SIGN. Most states have separate wage laws for restaurant workers--you need to find out what the law is for your state. This can be done simply by going to a competitor for lunch/dinner & asking your food server.
I've never heard of restaurants paying commission, only an hourly wage + tips. Hostesses tend to get a cut of the wait staffs tips. You need to read your employee handbook about this one.
2007-01-09 13:26:36 · answer #3 · answered by bundysmom 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
no this is not legal, your employer must make up the difference to at least minimum wage. i used to own a restaurant.
2007-01-09 13:36:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
minimum wage is minimum wage......but i dont know since you are payed on commission i do not believe that they have to pay you anything really......your supposed to sell and then you get a profit from your sales.
2007-01-09 13:32:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is if you receive additional compensation for commission or tips.
2007-01-09 13:56:10 · answer #6 · answered by Mariposa 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes because of tips/./.
2007-01-09 13:25:25 · answer #7 · answered by cork 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋