Manley Sponsors Bill for Restaurant Workers to Keep Their Earned Tips

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, recently backed legislation that will ensure that restaurant employees and other workers who earn tips will now be able to keep what they’ve earned without the intervention of their employers. Currently, businesses can withhold some or all gratuity payments from credit and debit card transactions.

 “In the course of my daily work as state Representative, I am often on the go and eat many of my meals in restaurants. When I tip, I want the servers to know that they did a good job and that I appreciate their efforts,” continued Manley. “Closing loopholes that businesses might use to take advantage of workers is commonsense.  People who work in the service industry are already operating at a deficit because they are paid well below minimum wage and so income from tips matters to them.”

Manley backed House Bill 3405, which provides that gratuities from customers to employees are the property of the employees and may not be retained by an employer, as current law allows businesses to withhold some or all gratuity payments from credit and debit card transactions.

“Most hardworking wait staff know that typically great service earns great tips, so they really strive to give the best service possible.  Tip income is often based upon performance, so they should be able to reap the rewards of their hard work,” continued Manley. “We need to enact policies that protect workers and put the money they’ve earned in their pocket where it belongs.”