I just took this job and agreed on $17 an hour. That is taking a pay cut from 20.50. I really had to get out of my job as they didn't discipline anybody and everyone was coming and going and doing as they please.
They're both cooking jobs line cook. At the place I just started every customer is asked if they want to tip for each transaction. My last place maybe the cashiers would get a few bucks from a nice person but generally tips were very minimal and few and far between.
So to the point. Today I got my first paycheck and the hourly rate is $8. And I have some insane amount of money in tips I want to say $600+. (EDIT: $875 which I was told was not a possibility) I chose the best co-worker to explain to me what's going on and he told me it's the same for him they give you your tips but they take your pay or change it until “you get the hourly wage.”
I know they can't take my tips. They clearly know that and so they take me wage. I guess it's just shady and not illegal? The state is Kentucky at that helps.
Edit: I think morally it's fucked the fact that these people “Tip” the boss and not the working people in front of them. As a customer and consumer also I don't would be mad to find out my “tip” for a worker falls right in the owners pockets.