Calling all McDonald’s fans, the fast food chain has a little-known rule that applies to both diners and staff. The beloved restaurant chain is famous for its budget prices and tasty meals, ranging from the iconic Big Mac to more limited edition items, like new McFlurry flavours just in time for Christmas.
While Maccy’s affordability has helped it reign supreme in the fast food world, the company is also secretly saving people cash in other ways, too. Let’s unpack: In the UK, the concept of tipping isn’t that big of a deal. You might leave an extra few pounds on a restaurant table if you enjoyed the meal, or you may add 10% onto a final bill as a token of appreciation for the service.
However, in the US the etiquette around tipping is serious business. If you don’t tip, you’re deemed rude, and hospitality workers might even confront you about it. In the states, a minimum of 15 to 20% is standard for good service, with the latter seen as the new ‘normal.’ For exceptionally good service, customers often tip more. Many workers in the US rely on tips to top up their salary — and businesses often pay their staff less due to tipping culture
McDonald’s actually has a rule in place that states workers aren’t allowed to accept them. Its website states: ‘Tips are not accepted as McDonald’s restaurants have a team environment which is not about rewarding individuals. If a customer would like to make a donation then they can do so in the RMHC boxes.’
McDonald’s also has an opinion on the minimum wage in the US, revealing that it wants to end the tipped wage model. Last September, the fast food giant left the NRA (National Restaurant Association) in protest. The company’s CEO, Chris Kempczinski, called the tipped wage model unfair and an ‘uneven playing field’ to workers and businesses such as McDonald’s, as they don’t rely on tips to meet minimum wage requirements.
Kempczinski spotlighted the disparity between the federal subminimum wage of $2.13 an hour and the federal minimum wage of $7.25. The former wage amount is why workers require the extra tips. The CEO said in a statement to CNBC last year: ‘Part of what I think we need to do in this minimum wage conversation is, let’s start with everybody should be paying the same minimum wage, whether that’s tipped or non-tipped.
He added that in some states, including Minnesota, Nevada, California, and Washington, they require employers to pay the full state minimum wage. Kempczinski said: ‘Poverty levels decrease. We know that turnover levels go down. We know that actually it doesn’t lead to any job loss. So there’s already been a model that shows that tipped wages can be at the same as the federal minimum wage.
Well, there you have it. Next time you hit up your local chain for a Filet-O-Fish, McWrap, or a Quarter Pounder with Cheese, know that you couldn’t tip even if you wanted to. But do consider contributing to Ronald McDonald House Charities, which works to support the health and wellbeing of children and their families.
