lisher
MIKE SHEEHAN Chief Executive Officer
TSERVICE
h e NOT
B oINCLUDED
s t o n
de
BRIAN McGRORY Editor
PETER S. CANELLOS Editor, Editorial Page
G l o b e
CHRISTINE S. CHINLUND M
T U E S D A Y, F E B R U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 4
Edit
oria l
Tipping system
exacerbates
unfair pay at restaurants
MIKE LUCKOVICH
For $1 per Big Mac, a truly livable
manyTrestaurant
salary workers,
for millions
INCLUDED
victim here if the tipped minimum doesn’t
ipping is said to have started in the
go up,” Luz says. His argument, however,
Roman Empire as a means to re­
rests on potentially unreliable data that em­
Editor, Editorial Page ward servants and slaves. Ameri­
ployers, rather than servers themselves, re­
cans adopted the custom only after
Editor/News the Civil War, but it stuck: Diners doled out
port to the US Department of Labor.
Even if Massachusetts diners are more
some $40 billion in gratuities in 2012, ac­
generous with tips — as the Labor Depart­
cording to industry experts. Yet the en­
henhas
challenged
on theirment
lowdata imply
ly,—the
wage
for front-line fast-food
whymedian
not extend
a great­
trenchment of tipping
given restaurant
er
level
of
wage
security
to
all
servers
in
the
owners a pretext to
avoid
paying
their
wages and lack of benefits,
workers is $8.94 per hour, according to an
state? Advocates want the tipped wage to be
workers a proper wage. The tip system
fast-food
chains
tend
depict
analysis
by minimum
the advocacy group National Emdle
class
actually
savingto
taxpayer
to recognize ashould
formerberes­
at least 60 percent
of the full
uprooted
— or while
at least
returned
ECHOES OF HISTORY
dollars.
It’s
time to
start
moving
in this
ishwasher. Long,
wage
guaranteed
to all otherLaw
workers.
their
workers
as teenagers
savto itsdeep
roots as a purely
voluntary
reward
for
ployment
Project.
IN THE MIDDLE EAST
n line their forearms
—service.sensible direction, both in Massachusetts
Even better, however, would be to pass a
excellent
ing for college, for whom the hourly receipts
Among those workers, about 70 percent
and the nation
a whole.
of nights when, Other
as the than restaurants,
law that would prohibit a separate tipped
few as
other
indus­
are
toward
a better
future rather
than wage,
are
over other
age 20.
And
n the chain of kitchen
minimum
as seven
states
haveof that 70 percent, a
triesaletstep
bosses
rely mainly
on customers’
Restaurants,
in
a
way,
are
the
quintessen­
they must plunge
their
done.
Workers
would
be
guaranteed
$8,
or
generosity
to
set
employee
wages.
Owners
a way to make ends meet now. Apparently,
third have a college degree.
Most employIS IT truly “humiliation that
tial
industry
of
a
challenging
21st­century
ng
hot
water
to
unclog
in­
whatever
the
current
full
minimum
wage
is.
are
happy
to
save
on
labor
costs.
Back
when
rease the minimum wage from
all
those
smiling
kidsTime­pressed
wear
brightly
Palestinians,” as
ees are
depending
on those drives
jobs the
to support
economy.
Americans
eatany
outtips they
h­washing
machines.
An­
Then,
received
would be what
tips
still
came
mainly
(and their
therefore
to $11 by 2016,
and
the
House
is in cash
H.D.S. Greenway asserts (“In
for
at
least
five
meals
a
week,
and
the
aver­
nt
is
hauling
heavy
dish
most
customers
already see them
— bo­families. “We can’t
couldbill.
conveniently
leftgolf
off income
smocks be
and
visorstaxwith the
same
themselves
andastheir
egotiating its colored
own
Because
Middle East, who’s David and
age household
spent
$2,620 onnuses.
food away
ery
For
thishasn’t
forms),
this arrangement
probably
made
thekitchens.
minimum
wage
kept
who’s Goliath?” (Op­ed, Feb.
pride
as
Marines
donning
their
colors,
and
make
it
out
here,”
Shaw
says.
from
ork, the hourly
pay fre­
TheNa­
nation’s largest state, California, for
sense
to workers,
too.home in 2011, according to the
nflation,
a full­time
minimum
14)? If so, what sort of “humili­
are
just changed
as happy
to
serve.
But
those workers,
tional
Restaurant
Association.
A
thriving
exceed
state
minimum
decades
has not allowed tipped workers’
That’s
in the
era
of credit
card
er
now the
makes
the
equivalent
of
ation”? That they are unable to
higher
la­ minimum
scene
likepriciest
Boston’s, with
ocumented
base its
payfine
to fallcover
belowFast-food
the regular
payments.
Only restaurant
the wait
staff
at the
ar less than workers
inif
1968,
according
establish their
indepen­
theyoften
exist,
are
a distinct
minority.
workers
in
Boston
and own
across
bor costs,
some
dining
andon
food
is an integral
part fusion
tly
less. If aBudget
dishwasher
wage. From
bistros
in Los Angeles to
establishments
count
big trucks,
tips lead­
dent state? Or, far more plausi­
achusetts
and Policy can
They
should
meet
Hope
the
the
country
have
since
last have been
restaurants
in­
of a modern
restau­
he’ll
get a second
job
in percent
sushi
bars in San
Francisco
where
thebeen
fish isstriking
ing
to
livable
incomes.
Wage city.
theftMassachusetts’
—Shaw,
the
bly, that
the Jews
surprisingly,
nearly
80
sist
that
better­
rants
alone
are
projected
to
ring
up
$13.5
ally
prepping
salads,
for
flown
in
daily,
the
industry
is
booming
and
nonpayment
of
owed
wages
or
tips
—
is
able todemanding
establish theirs on lands
38-year-old
single mother of three who is
summer for higher pay. They’re
c supports minimum
wage in­
paid workers
are over the
billion
in sales for 2014.
Yet as fine
dinersto expand
ying your dues
quietly
is
once conquered by Islam?
expected
by 9.1 percent
now
commonplace
at restaurants.
Overall,
assistant
manager
at Dunkin’
Donutsfarm­to­ta­
on next decade.
that reliable
national
chains The
enter
into
more
andfast-food
latter
understanding
increasingly
seek
out organic,
in a kitchen,”
saysvast
Jonny
fact,
in California
the
majority
of servers and
other
national
food chains
haven’t
of­
only wayIn
it can
ensure
a win is andthe family.
stay
in
their
jobs
long
lies
at
the
core
of the Arab­Is­
ble
cuisine,
few
think
much
of
the
work­
orked
at
several
Boston
the
six
other
states
without
a
separate
Boston
Street.
She,
too,
likes
to
serve.
But
front­of­the­house
employees
have
collective
bargaining
for
a
minimum
wage
evidence for why they shouldn’t
to use unlimited amounts of
Although the ban would on­
raeli
conflict.
It
is why the Arab
enough
to
make
up
in
force
making
those
uding
Bennigan’s,
for
nine
wage
— Alaska,
Nevada,
been
left
with
little
over
howmeals.
money
put
out
whatever
be temporary
until federal
the report
rs’ wages
at $15
per
hour
her
life
is in­
one
ofcontrol
unrequited
toil. She lives tipped
ofto$15
per
hour,
morelythan
twicerejected
the
states
the
1947 UN
efficiency
for
what
What
goes
on
behind
the
kitchen
doors
me
other
poor
guy
takes
Montana,
Oregon, and
muchcites
income
they make Ieach
messages Minnesota,
it wants.
of the Child Welfare League of
READ with interest “GOP
onald’s frequently
the fact
Partition
Plan
that would have
they’re
costing
in
extra
wag­
paycheck
to
paycheck.
Her
heating
gas
was
minimum
wage,
and
paid
sick
leave.
They
is
grim.
The
13
million­plus
restaurant
Washington
state
—
job
growth
week.
America is received, it would
adds for­profit muscle to the
PAULA CARAVELLA
dy offers “competitive pay,” sug­
divided the remainder of the
es. industry is expected
workers
in
the
United
States
face
a my
povertyin the
nt
industrymore
inshut
thewould
further reduce already limited
to
ex­
fray”
(Page
A1,to
Feb.
14)
and
Plymouth
AUnited
busy
Friday
evening
shift
t anything
it winter
at
a
off put
last
for
failure
pay;
the
make a compelling
case.
British Palestine Mandate into
In
reality,
employers
get
for children who need
rate thatonly
is nearly
three
times
that
the
immediate
thought
was
theof
Re­
just as thecan
income
gap
ceed Massachusetts’ over the options Jewish
mean
good
money,
to
eng,
disadvantage.
But
if the
top 10
and Arab
states.
electric
bill
for
her
Dorchester
apartment
Right
now,
it’s
public
assistance
that
is It is
away
with
paying
little
and
placement
outside their
homes.
publicans
must
not
have
much
rest
of
the
country’s
workforce,
and
the
in­
trends
are
related:
While
next
10
years,
in
some
cases
be
followed
by
a
slow
Sunday
red collective bargaining and
why the Arab states joined mili­ Isra
The Legislature
should
hold off
faith
in their
message
to voters.
treating
badly
simply
hosts
seven
ofoverdue.
the 10 worst
paying
her
often
leadsaway.
by moreworkers
than
double.
The
afternoon
wheredustry
tips
total
is
consistently
three
months
She’s
making
up the
difference.
Half
fast-food
15,industries
that argument
goes
tarilyof
to destroy
the nascent
passage
of
this
misinformed
Obviously
they
want
to
be
like
because
they
can.
There
ar­
American
jobs,
according
to
federal
labor
and
greater
opportunities,
poverty
rate
for
tipped
$20 for a whole
shift. If a
State
of
Israel
in
1948.
ere is the counterexample
of
In­
gone
withoutstatistics.
healththe
insurance
more
workers’
families
rely on government
at aIt is why peac
the report is aid
received.
conservativefor
en’t
many other
opportuni­
Dishwashers
inbillionaire
Massachusetts,
staurant
business
does
workers
in these
states bill untilterrorists
diner
doesn’t
like his
ly th
repeatedly have at­
er, a West
Coast
regional
chain
Koch
brothers,
who
pour
mon­
the
reactions
to the per year to American
JANET WATSON
ties
in
Massachusetts
than
a ayear.
“My
rent
ismade
$1,100
a month,”
she
for instance,
$10.29
per
hour
on
av­OF ALL
cost
of
$7
taxa powerful
lobby
and
was
12.1billion
percent,for
com­
meal,
his
dissatisfac­
tacked Israelis and
Jewish sites
me
a cult favorite.
In­N­Out
takes
ey into campaigns to defeat vul­ childworkers
Norwell
protection
crisis,
thatskills,
with
fewone
or no
erage in 2012. (That figure is telling in it­
mying
thatstarting
makes union
orga­
around the world. It is why all
pared
with
16.1
per­
tion with
the
kitchen
employees
$10.50
says.
“Every
month
Inerable
feel like
I’m
choosing
payers,
according
to recent research
done at
elected
officials
who do
is very
concerning
is theare
billundocu­
especially
if
they
manner of diplomatic, econom­
self, as it includes dishwashers at hotels,
nd
impractical,
it provides
in states with
reduce
the
d within
a fewcould
months
most
are
with their philosophy. passed by thecent
Massachusetts
paying
thatnot
oragree
putting
food
on thewho mented.
the University
of
California
atmedia,
Berkeley
and
In
there
were
ic,
and now,
even aca­
universities,
and
care
facilities,
bottom
of thebetween
income
lad­
the2012,
lowest
tipped
take­home
payof­
of
east
$2 more.
The
company
It’s
nohealth
surprise
that
Mitt
House to take discretion
away
demic, levers have been em­
1.8
job
seekers
for
every
are
usually
union
workers
and
nationally
rvice
industry
is
the
prov­
minimum,
accord­
his
server,
the
table.”
University
of Illinois at Urbana-ChamRomney, who was recorded
fromthe
the Department
of Chil­
s including vision,
medical, and
ployed against Israel.
ining
the
restau­
on average
nearly $3 drenopening
workers
toapprove
a 2011 anal­
busser
who
during earn
theTHOMAS FUCHS FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE
2012
campaign
and Families
to
art­ and full­time
associates.
As­
Yet,
six
days
a
week,
Shaw
leaves
her
paign.
This
aid
amounts
to
a
massive
public
The Palestinians
have many
IN H
rantfor
sector
state­
per
hour than
govern­
ysis
by the
Eco­ ROBERT E.
cleared
table,
voicingmore
his low
opinion
of 47restau­
families
foster
homes
where
COOKE, a creator
nagers
can make
up
tohis
$70,000
times
been
offered
a
state
but
dle E
In
this
series
wide,
a
relatively
rant
Re­Policy
ors to col­as much
nomic
Institute.
home
before
4 who
a.m.seated
to work
adishwashers.)
nine-hour
percent
of the
population,
there
is criminalto
history
(“Bill
of Head Start,
the popular
pre­
and even
the host
him.
Work
subsidy
multibillion-dollar
private
corpomanagers
as $120,000.
have steadfastly refused. In
Goli
low
figure
com­
search
done
bynew
MIT
puts atargets foster
endorses
this
homes
with
for­ itselfschool program, died on Feb.
nimumAnd In­N­Out’s
Massachusetts,
which
often
prides
performed
outside
shifts
typically
280
loca­ regular
TODAY:
IGNORED
RIGHTS
their eyes, the cost is far too
Gree
shift
overseeing
the strongly
sale
of
donuts,
bagels,
rations.
pared
to other
in­
group,or
called
America
Rising.
Metro,
Feb. 13).
10. Cooke, who was born in At­
livable
wage for
Boston
—mer convicts,”
tles them tions
on
its progressive
values,
is a laggard
in pro­
goes
unpaid,
and
badof
weather
illness
brought
in $651
high: acceptance of the legiti­
its n
Unpaid
work,
threats
de­
Onethe
statement
in
the
article restaurant
Contrary
to Yet
the the
statement
of
tleboro
died on Martha’s
dustries.
data alone
and
flat-bread
while
coping
McDonald’s
costsand
taxpayers
an esminimum
income
taff who million
tecting
workers.
Its current
may
lead
to
noin
paysandwiches,
at all.
in sales
macy of a sovereign Mideast
how
portation,
and
outright
wage
by
reporter
Noah
Bierman
the
bill’s
sponsor,
Representa­
Vineyard,
recommended
in
suggest
than
two­
someone
needs
to live
ade­
gly low
tipped
minimum
wagemore
is $1.2
worth
just
one­each year.
Rakel
Papke
good
tips
astheir
a wait­
Jewish
state,
declaration of an
side
2012,
which
is
with
customers
who
expect
coffee
to
timated
billion
One
employee
theft
plague
theearned
restaurant
stands
out and
should
be
ofcosts
Bradley
H.those
Jonesopenings
Jr.,
DCFand is1965 that the Johnson admin­
thirds
of
quately
given local
oftive
nationally
third
of the
regular
minimum
wage,
ress
atthan
Braza
Bar and Grill,
a popular
Ever­
end to conflict, and abandon­
tion
industry.
more
twice
concern
of please
every
voter
about
has an
effective,
well­estab­
istration
establish
the
program.
preparedYet
exactly
as
they
and
only
last
fall
recorded
a staff
member
on
the
comwere
for
part­time
work,
living
—
at
$12.65
for
a
sin­
tips whose be
lower
than
the
tipped
wage
in
27
other
ett
restaurant.
in
nine
months
of
work­
ment
of
“right
of
return’’
claims
the
the per­store aver­
how this group will operate: “As lished
policy
forvast
assessing
crim­
Over the last few years,
while
the
majority
of line
gle
adult
and
$22.40
for
a
ten con­
for a dwindling
remainder of
expu
states,
including
all other
New
England
MONDAY:
TIPPING
ing
she
received
six paychecks
— can.
sometimes
drop
a only
penny
in
the
tip
She’s
pany’s
“McResource”
urging
the
full-time
agethere,
at Dunkin’
a for­profit, America Rising
inal histories
in families.
It in­full­ funding for Head Start has
thetounemployed
want
real refugees and their multi­
family
ofaf­
four. states, according
ians
gement;
Meant
as7,360
a reward,
tips
in­wants
the
Massachusetts
Bud­
and,
she
says,
those
checks
arrived
only
Donuts’
US
the best
all worlds
—
cludes
thoroughto
procedures
been instamps,
turmoil, leading
to
been
promoted
twice
in the
fiveofyears
she’s
worker
sign upfor
for food
Medicaid,
time
positions.
generational
descendants.
its r
stead
make
up
much
of
a
Moreover,
these
jobs
mployees
get
and
Policy
Center.
ter
she
asked.
“They
basically
only
paid
me
locations.
unlimited funds, undisclosed
gathering and assessing infor­
2,015 Massachusetts children
Cutting
thatwas
Gordian
Knot
hist
In Boston,
immigrants
from
worker’s
pay
—
if
the
money
worked
at
the
store,
and
her
hourly
come
with
few
of
the
bene­
and
welfare.
The
hotline,
which
reains that
Women,
who
make
up
about
73
percent
to
keep
me
quiet,”
Papke
adds.
So
she
re­
contributors, and close coordi­
mation and requires oversight
being shut out of the program
Burger King ex­
would instantly sever the sin­
in th
Latin
America
— most
oftenlast
from
even prefer
gets
toatothem.
fits
that
workersofintipped
other workers,
them to ecutives
are
disproportionately
cently
filed
formal
complaint
with
Attor­
nation
with
campaigns.”
and
approval
on
several
admin­
fall.
As
Cooke
understood
pay has gone from $8 to $10.
cently
shut
down,
routinely
helped
ews
supporting
this
decades­
er im
Colombia,
El
Salvador,
or
Brazil
—
fill
res­
THOMAS FUCHS FOR THE B
industries
take for
granted.
amps and
harmed.
Waitresses
in some
gritty
bars andso well, early childhood educa­
ney wages
General
Martha
Coakley’s
office,
asking
This
means
no accountabili­
istrative levels
before
any home
blame low
on
theFOOD
long
war
and rapidly lead to
time
TUESDAY:
FAST
She
made
slightly
less
than
employees
and
their
families
taurant
kitchens.
Many,
because
they
have
Health
coverage
is
rarely
nt aidfranchise
to
grills say
feel
compelled
to flirt
ty tomore
the public
it they
where
a family
member
has with tion is a cost­effective, proven
her
former
for the
than for the money
model,
in employer
which
Higher
wages
for
fast­food
or enroll
are
injust
the
country
ille­ kids
offered;
paid sick
r unlivable
raises
the messages
it leave, va­
criminal
history
is approved.
of getting
a head
start
customers
andlimited
laugh
atEnglish
offensive
jokes
$4,000
she isowned
owed
in back
pay.and
$24,000
year.
inway
state
and
local
assisoutlets are
separately
jobs
would last
benefit
workers,
gally,
are simply
glad for
paying
work.
sends
out
on
behalf
of
its
fa­
Many
relatives
of
children
in
at
an
early
age
and
gives
every
hour
laws.
Among those c
cation
time,
and
401(k)s
to
preserve
their
income.
Even
then,
they
Some
of
the
volatility
that
Papke
and
and managed,
even
though
business,
and
government.
Despite
workingvored
fulltance
candidates.
fosterSupporting
care
have less
been
involved
family
here
andprograms.
backahome,
child
fair shot at success
latersince 2009 by t
violations
are
virtually
unheard
of.
ges do
not
earn
an
average
of
$0.50
per
hour
than
others
like
her
experience
would
be
eased
if
Burger King maintains tight
sis s
I am
fully aware
of the
mon­
the criminal
justice
sys­
on.or three
they
often
string
together
two
jobsnets
ment,
state Attorney Gen
Schedules
change
onwith
cient,
male
tipped
workers,
government
statistics
she and
her famrestaurant­goers
routinely
left
higher
tips.often
Social
safety
exist
are
WEDNESDAY:
UNIONS
control oftime,
the product
line,
eyaccustomed
that isweekly
raisedto
for
politi­
at
point.
But
these
on these
programs
tosome
make
ends
meet.
“They startStudies
at 7 a.m.
in other
enforcement agenci
or any
even
dailyDoing
ba­ temaway
istribution
show.
with
the tipped
mini­
But
while
most
people
are
do w
Restaurant
workers
to to arun
design,
amenities,
and pricing.
It need
ily
remain
submerged
for
a
reason.
But
enabling
cian
for
office.
But
much
incidents
may
be
decades
old
indicate
that
their
participants
one
kitchen
doing
prep, then leave for
a experience
the Boston
area’s
po
sis,regard­
making child
careand
a giving
edoesn’t
waitersmake adding
mum
these
women
a steadier
15 torights.
20 percent
gratuity
IF THE
of the
Quin­mostrive
fight
forafiring,
their
So why
hiring,
or
of this money is monitored by
and pose
no risk
to working
children.
spend
lessor
time
in jail,
more
second
shift,
until
midnight
1
beneath
the
poverty
profitable
companies
to
keep
tablishments:
Not
Your
A
nightmare
to
arrange.
And
wages
paycheck
would
be
the
quickest
way
to
re­
ond
cy
Police
Department
and
Nor­
less
of
the
quality
of
service,
others
set
their
aren’tfor
they
organizing?
nt­related decisions
our
fran­
government. America Rising
Overa.m.,”
the years
child welfare
in school,
and cost the tax­
saysthe
Arévalo,
who wastime
a pilot
in his
Metropolitan
Club;
Sunse
forget
about
job
security.
T
folk
County
is
any
guide,
Mayor
d,
Ameri­
store
their
dignity.
own
tipping
standards,
which
may
include
deed, the company
thatBoston
enforces resi-will not be watched. If many
rate for
workers
at poverty
wages the
is
system has embraced
kinship on payers
less by reducing
native
Colombia
and
now
runs
the
worker
cred
Martin Walsh’s
decision Pomodoro;
to de­
Brookline’s
Ca
Restaurant
analyst
Victor
fectively
a
host
of
factors
beyond
a
server’s
control.
ications for everything from the
are disturbed by what the Koch
care. Research has found that
for expensive programs
dents.
Shaw’s
predicpoor
use ofneed
scarce
government
supp
ploy
Narcancle
in of
Boston police
center
at
theaMassachusetts
Coalition
For
Fernandez
says foreigners
annual
turnover
isUnder
above the
taurant
industry
the
current
system,
restaurants
others
—of
angry
customers,
brothers
have done
with their
children
in kinship
foster
care
like special education.
YetScience,
thou­ Middlesex
he
Whopper
toStill
theto
amount
oil
and
cruisers
will
save
many
lives
Occupational
Safety
and
Health
(Mass­
Row;
and
Ruby
Tuesday.
95
percent
for
hourly
workers.
n per
year.
Allament
this don’t
for is
anunderstand
must
staff $2.63
an
hour. A server’s
who
thefortune,
customhow
— leave
common
Little
inofthe
McDonald’s
are they going
topay wait
experience
fewerresources.
placement
sands
children
in Massachu­
ch
fries
makes
absolutely
no pro­
(Mayor
Walsh
supports
over­
COSH).
In
2012,
acclaimed
res
Very
little
will
improve
until
consumers
n’t
beset
by
global
competi­
wages pluschanges,
her tipshave
for every
nothing
at all. American
restaurants
could
feel about this
group, which
fewertwo­week
behavior paysetts don’t have access. We
minimum wages
or conditions
of
among
her
fast-food
financial
statements
indicates
dose
antidote,
Metro,
Feb.
11).
thomas
fuchs
for din­
the
boston
Globe
Filiberto
Lopez
moved
to
Boston
from
rick
Lyons
and
Ed
Sparks
begin
to
pressure
the
industry.
While
rial
manufacturers
are
—
period
must
also
average
out
to
at
least
$8
emulate
most
of
the
rest
of
the
developed
will
do
whatever
it
wants
with
problems,
experience
less
anxi­
should
honor
Cooke’s
legacy
by
nt. Requiring its franchisees to
which
blocks opiate
re­
El Salvador
seven
years
ago
in hopes
of that
$424,000
colleagues.
Nationalers feel
empowered
to
ask
whether
pro­ the
it are
can’t
afford
toNarcan,
pay
employees
esent
vital national
in­ service
money
the
very
wealthy?
etyregular
and
depression,
and
making
sure
every
child inin back pay and
an hour,
state minimum
wage.
world,
where
charges
arefrom
automati­
wage athrough
its franchise
con­
ceptors in the brain long
T
Dream,
and ended has access
properly
I have
no eater­
ties to any
likely
tothe
report
that they
Massachusetts
to underpaid work
duce
wastabs.
purchased
locally
or ifone
gy
or utilities.
In
fact,
the
Ifchickens
not, thenmore
herfinding
employer
isAmerican
legally
required
cally
tacked
on to
dinner
Some
nywhere
on the
radar
screen.
enough for an overdose victim
trict
party.
vote made
for
I eggs,
think
felt
loved”in
than
early education.
sleeping
thechil­
kitchen ofhigh­quality
a East Boston
restaurants they own, inc
given
freeIhave
range
towhoever
lay their
ments against policies
thatYork were
to
make up“always
theup
difference.
ies in New
and California
to get to a hospital, has been
will
do
the
job.
But
what
I
don’t
dren
placed
in
unrelated
foster
JAY
EPSTEIN
Peruvian
restaurant.
He
worked
more
Scampo,
Sonsie,
they
don’t
feel
comfortable
questioning
wages
of
restaurant
work­
Reality is messier. The government
simply including the cost of
used more than
200 times
in and the B
ling omission.headlines
Franchisefor
own­
want
is
a
group
that
feels
the
homes
where
they
do
not
know
Boston
than
80
hours
a
week
there,
schlepping
what
is
a
common
the
treatment
of
employees,
despite
unimpressive.
Claims
agencies
that
enforce
wage
laws
largely
theircould
menu prices and banning tips
Quincy since officers began car­ practic
d about higherlabor
laborincosts,
Officer
onditions not on menu
W
ac, a truly
millions
Let t er
At root, rejection
of a Jewish state
L et t er s t o t h e E di t o r
Who watches
‘America Rising?’
DCF doesn’t need
this restriction
Honor Head Start
creator’s legacy
Isr
fom
Opiate antidote
a help in Quincy
So
T h e
B o s t o n
G l o b e
T U E S D A Y, F E B R U A R Y 1 8 , 2 0 1 4
de
more. In 2012, net income
topped $5 bilcompany that enforces tight specifications
MIKE LUCKOVICH
lion, and the company paid out another $5.5
for everything from the weight of the Whopbillion in dividends and stock buybacks. CEO
per to the amount of oil in the French fries
Donald Thompson earned a salary of nearly
makes absolutely no provision for minimum
$14 million — or about $7,000 per hour. In
wages or conditions of employment. Refact, industry-wide research by the Economic
quiring its franchisees to pay a living wage
Officer
Policy
through its franchise contract isn’t anywhere
Editor, Editorial
Page Institute finds that restaurant CEO pay
Editor/News was 788 times higher than average employee
on the radar screen.
earnings last year — a stark example of the
way executives can reward themselves for
It’s a telling omission. Franchise ownkeeping the wages of others low.
ers, worried about higher labor costs, could
The simplest solution is to raise the mindemand lower corporate fees in return. The
imum wage. The Massachusetts Senate has
tradeoff could lower corporate profits. So
voted to increase the minimum wage from
workers and customers are paying the price
$8 an hour to $11 by 2016, and the House
instead.
is currently negotiating its own bill. Because
Would the price of fast food soar with a
rease the minimum
wageof
from
the value
the minimum wage hasn’t kept
higher minimum wage? It’s not likely. Econto $11 by 2016, and the House is
with
inflation, a full-time minimum
omists at UC Berkeley have estimated a $15
egotiating its pace
own bill.
Because
the minimum
wage worker
hasn’t kept
wage
now makes the equivalent of
wage would cost consumers about 10 percent
nflation, a full­time minimum
$5,400 a year less than in 1968, according to
more. (Americans spent, on average, about
er now makes the equivalent of
Massachusetts
Budget and Policy Center.
$2,620 on eating out in 2011, according to
ar less than inthe
1968,
according
achusetts Budget
and
Policy
Not surprisingly, nearly 80 percent of the
the National Restaurant Association.) A sepasurprisingly, nearly 80 percent
public wage
supports
minimum wage increases.
rate 2006 study suggests menu prices would
c supports minimum
in­
But the national food chains haven’t
rise about 17 percent with a $15 minimum
national food chains haven’t of­
only way it can ensure a win is
family.
Who
watches
offered good evidence for why they shouldn’t to usewage,
according to thethe
Employment
Policies
evidence for why they shouldn’t
unlimited amounts of
Although the ban would on­
‘America
Rising?’
to put out whatever
ly be temporary until the report
start
Institute.
rs’ wages at $15
per workers’
hour in­ wages at $15 per hour instead. money
messages it wants.
of the Child Welfare League of
I READ with interest “GOP
onald’s frequently
cites
the
fact
McDonald’s frequently
cites the fact that it
Breaking
down the
McDonald’s 2012
America is received, it would
adds for­profit muscle to the
PAULA CARAVELLA
dy offers “competitive pay,” sug­
further
reduce
already
limited
fray” (Pagepay,”
A1, Feb.
14) and my
Plymouth
already
offers
suggesting
annual report
provides
a little
more
clarity.
t anything more
would put
it at “competitive
a
options
for
children
who
need
immediate
thought
was
the
Re­
e disadvantage.
But anything
if the top 10more would put it at a competthat
At company-run stores,
profit outside
margins
placement
theirare
homes.
publicans must not have much
red collective bargaining and
Legislature
hold off
faithif
in the
their top
message
voters.
DCF
doesn’t
need but The
itivegoes
disadvantage.
But
10 to
chains
above
10 percent,
payroll
andshould
employee
15, that argument
away.
passage of this misinformed
Obviously they want to be like
restriction
ere is the counterexample
of In­
entered collective
bargaining
and
agreed to thisbenefits
add up to about
25 percent
ofreceived.
sales
bill until
the report is
the conservative
billionaire
er, a West Coast regional chain
reactions
to the That means, ifJANET
WATSON
$15, that argument Koch
goesbrothers,
away. who pour mon­ OF ALL
at the
these
locations.
compenme a cult favorite. In­N­Out takes
ey into campaigns to defeat vul­ child protection crisis, one that
Norwell
Then
there is the
counterexample
of do
In- is very
sation
were
to bill
double and no other expensying starting employees
$10.50
nerable
elected officials who
concerning
is the
d within a few
monthsBurger,
most area West
notCoast
agree with
their philosophy.
the Massachusetts
N-Out
regional
chain passed
esbylowered
to offset that rise, prices would
east $2 more. The company of­
It’s no surprise that Mitt
House to take discretion away
Honor Head Start
that’s
become
favorite.
takes fromhave
to increase
by about 25 percent, or $1
whoIn-N-Out
was recorded
the Department
of Chil­
s including vision,
medical,
anda cult Romney,
creator’s legacy
duringemployees
the 2012 campaign
dren more
and Families
to approve
art­ and full­time
associates.
As­ starting
pride
in paying
$10.50
per Big
Mac, to make up the difference.
voicing
his
low
opinion
of
47
families
for
foster
homes
where
ROBERT E. COOKE, a creator
nagers can make up to $70,000
an
hour,
and
within
a
few
months
most
are
Industry
associations
insist
anypopular
higher
percent
of
the
population,
there
is
criminal
history
(“Bill
of
Head that
Start, the
pre­
managers as much as $120,000.
stronglyThe
endorses
this new offers targets
foster homes
with
for­ away
school
program, died
on result
Feb.
making280
atloca­
least $2 more.
company
prices
would
drive
customers
and
And In­N­Out’s
group, called America Rising.
mer convicts,” Metro, Feb. 13).
10. Cooke, who was born in At­
tions
brought in
$651
benefits
including
vision,
medical,inand
dental Contrary
in fewer
jobs.
Some
go
One statement
the article
to the
statement
of diners
tleboromight
and diedindeed
on Martha’s
million in sales in
by
reporter
Noah
Bierman
the
bill’s
sponsor,
Representa­
Vineyard,
recommended
in
for partassociates. Assistant
elsewhere or eat at home. But most fast-food
2012,
whichand
is full-time
stands out and should be of
tive Bradley H. Jones Jr., DCF
1965 that the Johnson admin­
more than twice
managers
can make concern
up to of
$70,000
annually;
customers
are less price-sensitive;
moevery voter
about
has an
effective, well­estab­
istration establishthose
the program.
the per­store aver­
how
this
group
will
operate:
“As
lished
policy
for
assessing
crim­
Over
the
last
few
years,
managers
as much as $120,000. And In-Ntivated mostly by convenience wouldn’t cross
age at Dunkin’
a for­profit, America Rising
inal histories in families. It in­
funding for Head Start has
Donuts’
7,360
US
Out’s
280
locations
brought
in of
$651
million
state
lines
or turnforto the
saveto$1
wants the best
all worlds
—
cludes
thorough
procedures
beenInternet
in turmoil,to
leading
locations.
unlimited funds, undisclosed
gathering and assessing infor­
2,015 Massachusetts children
in sales in 2012, which is more than twice
on a fast-food lunch. Meanwhile, restaurants
contributors, and close coordi­
mation and requires oversight
being shut out of the program
Burger King ex­
the per-store
at Dunkin’
Donuts’
could count
onadmin­
lower training
and recruitnation
with campaigns.”
and approval
on several
last fall. As Cooke
understood
ecutives
prefer to average
This
means
no
accountabili­
istrative
levels
before
any
home
so
well,
early
childhood
educa­
blame low
wages
the
7,360
USonlocations.
ment costs as turnovertion
—isnow
close to 100
ty to the public for the money it
where a family member has
a cost­effective, proven
franchise model, in which
raises and the
messages
it
criminal
historyper
is approved.
way of getting
kids a —
head
Burger
King executives
prefer
to blame
percent
year for fast-food
chains
isstart
outlets are separately
owned
sends
out
on
behalf
of
its
fa­
Many
relatives
of
children
in
at
an
early
age
and
gives
every
and managed,
even though
low wages
on the franchise
model, in which fosterreduced.
vored candidates.
care have been involved
child a fair shot at success later
Burger King maintains tight
I am fullyand
awaremanaged,
of the mon­
with the criminal
justice sys­
on. $5 per hour would
outlets are separately owned
In return,
the extra
control of the product line,
ey that is raised for any politi­
tem at some point. But these
Studies on these programs
evenand
though
King maintains tight
transform
the lives
hard workers
like Shaw
design, amenities,
pricing.Burger
It
cian to run for office. But much
incidents
may be decades
old of indicate
that their participants
doesn’t makecontrol
hiring, firing,
or
of this
money
is monitored
by
and pose
risk tokids.
children.
spend
lessworrying
time in jail, about
more
of the product
line,
restaurant
design,
andnotheir
“I could
stop
nt­related decisions for our fran­
government. America Rising
Over the years the child welfare
time in school, and cost the tax­
amenities,
and pricing.
It be
has
said it
“doesn’t system
our
bills today
andless
start
planning
deed, the company
that enforces
will not
watched.
If many
hasmonthly
embraced kinship
payers
by reducing
the
ications for everything
from the
by what the Koch
care. for
Research
has found that
need for expensive programs
make hiring,
firing, are
or disturbed
employment-related
the future,”
she said.
brothers have done with their
children in kinship foster care
like special education. Yet thou­
he Whopper to the amount of oil
forpro­
our franchisees.”
Indeed,
the
fortune, how are
they going
to
experience fewer placement
sands of children in Massachu­
ch fries makesdecisions
absolutely no
ac, a truly
millions
minimum wages or conditions of
nt. Requiring its franchisees to
wage through its franchise con­
nywhere on the radar screen.
ling omission. Franchise own­
d about higher labor costs, could
L et t er s t o t h e E di t o r
feel about this group, which
will do whatever it wants with
money from the very wealthy?
I have no ties to any one
party. I vote for whoever I think
will do the job. But what I don’t
want is a group that feels the
changes, have fewer behavior
problems, experience less anxi­
ety and depression, and are
more likely to report that they
“always felt loved” than chil­
dren placed in unrelated foster
homes where they do not know
setts don’t have access. We
should honor Cooke’s legacy by
making sure that every child in
Massachusetts has access to
high­quality early education.
JAY EPSTEIN
Boston