[tomrod]

Does the same logic apply regarding which products are purchased or boycotted for a societal improvement?

As a consumer, I make specific choices. If I am marketed a price, that should be inclusive. The change starts with my choices, since managers clearly are against setting high enough wages.

[fnordpiglet]

You can certainly not tip your servers at bars and restaurants, no one forces you to. You can be a one person protest. But you won’t change anything other than how little the server takes home. The business won’t even observe your principled stand, and they’re the one whose behavior you have to change. The only observer will be the worker who just doesn’t get paid for their labor.

[collingreen]

This is a depressing way to blame all the victims here and have no hope of making anything better.

It's like hospital owners openly saying they know nurses won't strike even if they don't get treated fairly because their patients will die and the nurses, as caregivers, won't let that happen.

The apathy toward a system that not just supports that kind of thing but very actively encourages and rewards it is brutal to watch.

[fnordpiglet]

Some restaurants have started applying mandatory tips. I think the right way out is to reward such places with your business. It makes sense for everyone. The servers get paid proportional to the volume of business, which they can impact positively through excellent service and upselling/cross selling, without having to grovel for the money. The patrons aren’t put in the position of deciding the tip amount, and if they are unhappy about service they can take it up with management and/or not return.

[paulmd]

Sure. That’s called “paying a living wage”, it was always an option.

Just advertise the prices with the fees included.

That’s the rub, restaurant owners want to advertise one price and then actually charge a bunch more once they know people are committed. And that’s something that the US is really bad about in general - sales tax is handled similarly poorly.