So I have to say, the assignment give in class today seemed pretty difficult for most of us. Though most of the ones read aloud seemed decent. I struggled with my quote "If a man doesn't stand for something, he'll fall for anything." It wasn't until after class that I realized what I wrote wasn't that bad. It actually led me to some ideas for the composition conference; I'm really excited about it!
I, also, started working on the next assignment, and the first part of my montage came with ease. It was amazing. But I am sure that the same thing will happen with some of you. A new style of writing will be easier to adapt to when you can work your interests into it.
Labor issues are the generic social concern I have this semester. I've decided to write this last assignment as a montage of a typical shift in my restaurant. Hopefully, it shows the kind of work we do, and the types of guests we serve. And the tables that make or break our day, as tips go. Below is the first part. See what you think...
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“Yes, sir. The wait will be about an hour…OK, what is your name? OK. It could be ready sooner. We’ll give you a call on your cell phone.”
An hour for a table. Huh. This place better be good.
*
“I’m here, I’m here,” I say, hurrying past the line of early bird guests and past the hostess desk. Ugh. Early bird. Cheap, sometimes even free, three course meals for guests who have all day to waste away their money in a slot machine, and yet they don’t have the 10-20 percent tip on what they would have paid, if not for that damn coupon.
*
“Can we sit at a different table? These chairs are too low. I mean, I’d need a booster. Hahahahaha.”
*
Oh sure, sit where ever you like. What’s the fuckin’ point of us having a hostess, or having sections?! “Anna, I’m sorry. They wanted to move. Can you get to them?”
*
“No, I’ll just have ice water with lemon. Can I also have some Sweet and Low? Oh, and they said we should show these tickets to you.”
*
“Mike! What the hell?! You spilled cab on me! UGH! I need another one. In a clean glass.” God, this is not my fuckin’ night. Ketchup. Iced tea. Now red wine. What’s the point of having this awful uniform laundered anyway? I used to think it was flattering. The apron is the worst thing about it. Used to be bright white, now stained by coffee grounds and open pens. It just doesn’t stay put around my waist, so uncomfortable.
*
“Do you have bread or rolls or something? Do you have olive oil?”
*
“Well, I am glad you enjoyed everything. Come see us again…Thank you and good luck!”
I wonder how they tipped me… Damn it! Blue card. Wish I could shout that awesome “Waiting” line… “Here! I think you need this more than I do!”
*
Feedback is welcome!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
onto my next rant about cheap.....
OK kids, so the next segment of my labor and wage concerns series is in regard to the treatment of tipped employees in this country, though I'll likely still to PA laws....maybe.
The bulk of my research will be regarding the food and beverage industry. Let's face it, as college students, this issue relates to all of us. You have either worked in the industry, been a patron or both. Fast food is a bit different. These folks get a better hourly wage because they don't earn gratuities. I have never worked in fast food, though I feel those guys deserve as much respect as any of us - usually. However, the sector of employees with which I am most concerned are the tipped employees.
For those of you who don't know, I work as a server at St. James Gate, Irish Pub and Carvery in the Sands Casino Bethlehem. The minimum hourly wage in Pennsylvania is $2.83 for a tipped employee. I recently contacted the United States Dept. of Labor, Wage and Hour Division (Wilkes Barre office). I spoke with a woman there who informed that as long as the combination of my hourly 2.83 and the average of the tips I earn in a night are $7.25+ per hour, then my employer is within compliance to the federal law. Let's just say, I couldn't live if I was only making $7.25/hr... but thankfully, I make decent money from my dinner shifts - usually. So I guess I'll say, what the casino pays me is sufficient and compliant by federal law and so I won't aim to fight that one too much. (However, what the casino/state taxes me is quite another matter.)
The next part of my rant is not concerning what the casino pays me, but rather, what you grant me as a tip... Did you know that 20% is pretty much the standard tip for good service in a restaurant or bar? Some might say 15 or 18; I find those tips acceptable. Ten percent is not acceptable! At the casino in particular, we have to acquire RAMP certification (Responsible Alcohol Management Program) and either a gaming or non-gaming license from the state; these things cost us money. I wouldn't expect everyone to know that. Here's another fun fact, when the restaurant is busy, we don't get a break. Not to sit, not to eat, not to smoke, not to pee! When all my other servers have full sections, there is no way they can possibly watch my section while I run to the cafeteria... But wait! There's more! I can eat in my restaurant... if I pack something and if I have time, IF. Or I can order something, if the kitchen isn't too busy...but I have to buy my meal, at full price. Not one dime is discounted. So, I serve. Sometimes I bring a yogurt. Sometimes I get a minute to run to the ladies room. Sometimes I can step out in the hall to return a call to my daughter. Most times, I can't.
Did you know that I make sure your table and chairs and floor are clean? That I make sure your silverware in clean and wrapped securely in a clean, black linen? Did you know I make sure there are no lipstick marks on your wine glass? That your gravy or salad dressing is on the side? Did you know I pressed this individual carafe of coffee just now at your table, just so that it would be hot and fresh? I could go on, but I digress. Honestly, it's not that I mind doing these things. In fact, for the most part, I quite enjoy what I do. It was my decision to become a server eight years ago. I've been at the casino I will accommodate you as well as I would were you a guest in my home. And I'd expect the same. A clean glass, a fairly clean floor around my table. If you'd like ice in your merlot, I have no problem with that. I make sure I have clean hands, I pop a few cubes out of the tray and into your glass. Relax. And did I say I digress before... now I digress :-) Can someone tell me of some ethical ways of making the public aware of what their tips should be? I actually had a woman tell me one night she was afraid to complain or send food back... like Waiting... Can you imagine if that really happened? It doesn't. At least not in my restaurant.
This is what I have for now. I am currently trying to figure out how to get a better hourly wage for flex time. This is a personal issue with the casino. I'll keep you posted...
The bulk of my research will be regarding the food and beverage industry. Let's face it, as college students, this issue relates to all of us. You have either worked in the industry, been a patron or both. Fast food is a bit different. These folks get a better hourly wage because they don't earn gratuities. I have never worked in fast food, though I feel those guys deserve as much respect as any of us - usually. However, the sector of employees with which I am most concerned are the tipped employees.
For those of you who don't know, I work as a server at St. James Gate, Irish Pub and Carvery in the Sands Casino Bethlehem. The minimum hourly wage in Pennsylvania is $2.83 for a tipped employee. I recently contacted the United States Dept. of Labor, Wage and Hour Division (Wilkes Barre office). I spoke with a woman there who informed that as long as the combination of my hourly 2.83 and the average of the tips I earn in a night are $7.25+ per hour, then my employer is within compliance to the federal law. Let's just say, I couldn't live if I was only making $7.25/hr... but thankfully, I make decent money from my dinner shifts - usually. So I guess I'll say, what the casino pays me is sufficient and compliant by federal law and so I won't aim to fight that one too much. (However, what the casino/state taxes me is quite another matter.)
The next part of my rant is not concerning what the casino pays me, but rather, what you grant me as a tip... Did you know that 20% is pretty much the standard tip for good service in a restaurant or bar? Some might say 15 or 18; I find those tips acceptable. Ten percent is not acceptable! At the casino in particular, we have to acquire RAMP certification (Responsible Alcohol Management Program) and either a gaming or non-gaming license from the state; these things cost us money. I wouldn't expect everyone to know that. Here's another fun fact, when the restaurant is busy, we don't get a break. Not to sit, not to eat, not to smoke, not to pee! When all my other servers have full sections, there is no way they can possibly watch my section while I run to the cafeteria... But wait! There's more! I can eat in my restaurant... if I pack something and if I have time, IF. Or I can order something, if the kitchen isn't too busy...but I have to buy my meal, at full price. Not one dime is discounted. So, I serve. Sometimes I bring a yogurt. Sometimes I get a minute to run to the ladies room. Sometimes I can step out in the hall to return a call to my daughter. Most times, I can't.
Did you know that I make sure your table and chairs and floor are clean? That I make sure your silverware in clean and wrapped securely in a clean, black linen? Did you know I make sure there are no lipstick marks on your wine glass? That your gravy or salad dressing is on the side? Did you know I pressed this individual carafe of coffee just now at your table, just so that it would be hot and fresh? I could go on, but I digress. Honestly, it's not that I mind doing these things. In fact, for the most part, I quite enjoy what I do. It was my decision to become a server eight years ago. I've been at the casino I will accommodate you as well as I would were you a guest in my home. And I'd expect the same. A clean glass, a fairly clean floor around my table. If you'd like ice in your merlot, I have no problem with that. I make sure I have clean hands, I pop a few cubes out of the tray and into your glass. Relax. And did I say I digress before... now I digress :-) Can someone tell me of some ethical ways of making the public aware of what their tips should be? I actually had a woman tell me one night she was afraid to complain or send food back... like Waiting... Can you imagine if that really happened? It doesn't. At least not in my restaurant.
This is what I have for now. I am currently trying to figure out how to get a better hourly wage for flex time. This is a personal issue with the casino. I'll keep you posted...
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Find the Missing Pieces
Wow, so I slacked on this K’nex experience/project more than I thought I would. I think it slowed me down learning I wouldn’t actually get to go and check out the plant operations. Turns out all I really needed to do way play. And WOW was that ever the main idea of my piece…that helping the American economy and creating more American jobs really could be as simple as a child’s play!
I liked the idea of playing with a K’nex rollercoaster set and turning a bit of that into a metaphor for what the K’nex Company itself has done for Montgomery County, for Pennsylvania and for the United States. The Rodon Plastics family really does offer a broad line of children’s’ toys. And seeing as the world is so overpopulated, so many of those being children, why shouldn’t we entertain and educate our children with products made in our country, helping our own economy and workforce?
K’nex really are pretty cool toys. It was unfortunate that in the few places I checked, that they didn’t offer more variety of products—especially considering the proximity of the Lehigh Valley to where K’nex are made in Montco. I like the Thrill Rides line I don’t recall Legos ever having anything that actually moved or worked on batteries… then again, it has been quite some time since I really, really played with any type of blocks or motor-skill toys.
We haven’t actually finished our rollercoaster yet. I told my Zoe that we would work on it tonight. It will be a bit slower with her, as the kit is recommended for 7+ age children. She’s smart though, and when I am able to guide her, she enjoys it. We both do. Again, coming back to one of the metaphors used in my piece…building a strong, successful American company can be virtually child’s play. With a little time and patience, with strong leadership and teamwork, love and support, likening a company to a family of individuals who will support each other and push on through good and bad. (Was that a run-on? I really do need to pick up “Sin and Syntax”! I usually speak in run-ons as well….ask my boyfriend…)
I submitted the piece entitled “Find the Missing Pieces” the other night. I had found a magazine (?) during the going-out-of-business sale at Borders (BOOOO). I sort of question it being a magazine as it is pretty thick and it only comes out quarterly. Ah, but my Essence only comes out once per year so… Anyway, this publication is pretty cool and a non-profit out of New York: “A Public Space”. This issue I picked up has literary op-eds, fiction, non-fiction, and poetry…plus a TON of ads for conferences and speakers. (Want to start feeling and acting more like a writer? Come to one of these conferences with me! Seriously.) The magazine has a bit of a creative, but edgy vibe to it that led me to turning my piece into one huge jumble of metaphors. It was fun. I’m not sure if my piece is as long as they would like; they don’t really mention length requirements in the submission guidelines. I just tried to judge based on the non-fiction pieces in this issue… They warn you it will take time to hear back, but you can log in on their website and read editorial comments, if any are made. I’m excited. I hope my work is accepted. Hell, I wouldn’t mind interning with them, either :-)
I liked the idea of playing with a K’nex rollercoaster set and turning a bit of that into a metaphor for what the K’nex Company itself has done for Montgomery County, for Pennsylvania and for the United States. The Rodon Plastics family really does offer a broad line of children’s’ toys. And seeing as the world is so overpopulated, so many of those being children, why shouldn’t we entertain and educate our children with products made in our country, helping our own economy and workforce?
K’nex really are pretty cool toys. It was unfortunate that in the few places I checked, that they didn’t offer more variety of products—especially considering the proximity of the Lehigh Valley to where K’nex are made in Montco. I like the Thrill Rides line I don’t recall Legos ever having anything that actually moved or worked on batteries… then again, it has been quite some time since I really, really played with any type of blocks or motor-skill toys.
We haven’t actually finished our rollercoaster yet. I told my Zoe that we would work on it tonight. It will be a bit slower with her, as the kit is recommended for 7+ age children. She’s smart though, and when I am able to guide her, she enjoys it. We both do. Again, coming back to one of the metaphors used in my piece…building a strong, successful American company can be virtually child’s play. With a little time and patience, with strong leadership and teamwork, love and support, likening a company to a family of individuals who will support each other and push on through good and bad. (Was that a run-on? I really do need to pick up “Sin and Syntax”! I usually speak in run-ons as well….ask my boyfriend…)
I submitted the piece entitled “Find the Missing Pieces” the other night. I had found a magazine (?) during the going-out-of-business sale at Borders (BOOOO). I sort of question it being a magazine as it is pretty thick and it only comes out quarterly. Ah, but my Essence only comes out once per year so… Anyway, this publication is pretty cool and a non-profit out of New York: “A Public Space”. This issue I picked up has literary op-eds, fiction, non-fiction, and poetry…plus a TON of ads for conferences and speakers. (Want to start feeling and acting more like a writer? Come to one of these conferences with me! Seriously.) The magazine has a bit of a creative, but edgy vibe to it that led me to turning my piece into one huge jumble of metaphors. It was fun. I’m not sure if my piece is as long as they would like; they don’t really mention length requirements in the submission guidelines. I just tried to judge based on the non-fiction pieces in this issue… They warn you it will take time to hear back, but you can log in on their website and read editorial comments, if any are made. I’m excited. I hope my work is accepted. Hell, I wouldn’t mind interning with them, either :-)
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