There are laws in place for service workers related to minimum wage. The employers have to make up the difference if tips don’t meet the rate for hours worked. It seems to me that’s not sufficient for the times.
Hypothetically, if everyone were to stop tipping in the U.S. would things be better or worse for workers? Would employers start paying workers more?
My only exceptions are Housekeeping and Valet, but for food table service(I include delivery under this lable) is required for a tip. Takeout is a no go.
Motels "housekeeping" may or may not exist; bring a blacklight if you don't want to sleep. Long stay hotels require you request housekeeping during your stay (if under one month), and generally only refresh when you check out. Hotels provide daily turndown service including fresh sheets, towels, and consumables (soap, tissues, toilet paper, mints, etc.)
This is different. Counter service places do NOT make a tipped wage and so it is actually not necessarily to tip. I tip people who make a tipped wage like servers.
No, it's basically consistent across the US.
Servers (waiters and waitresses) and I believe food delivery drivers are paid a tipped wage.
Essentially everyone else is not paid a tipped wage and you should not feel compelled to tip them. Absolutely no one at any counter service restaurants or fast food trucks are paid a tipped wage, even though the computer screen often asks you if you want to tip. There is no need to. I usually tip 0% at these places, but tbh I'm more inclined to tip at a food truck even though it isn't necessary.
The only way out of this whole thing is to just never tip counter service, and to never tip really well for waiters. It feels bad, but the whole system is built around exploiting your guilt as a customer. It encourages wait staff to fight for better employment.