When a customer leaves a tip for a server, who receives the full amount of the tip at the end of the day? According to a 2011 Department of Labor (DOL) regulation, the tip always belongs to the server, even if the employer pays the server minimum wage. However, a recent DOL announcement in late July has put this issue back on the table and may resolve a conflict between courts across the country as to tip practices within the hospitality industry. The 2011 regulation states that tips are the property of the employee regardless of whether the employer pays the employee minimum wage and claims a tip credit. Now, DOL is rescinding this regulation, which will allow employers more flexibility in their tip pooling practices.
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