May is the time when the terraces come to life, when many people start to frequent local cafes and local shops again. Families, citizens and tourists are once again wandering towards the local markets.
Three years ago, at this same time of year, I got my first job as a saleswoman in a bakery in Villeray. It was an area that was unknown to me at the time. At that time, the payment terminal did not offer the tipping option. We simply had pots placed near the checkouts. Each staff member kept the tip they received from their customer for themselves.
At the end of our shifts, we emptied our apron pockets in order to quantify the nest egg we had managed to accumulate. A sign that times are changing slowly, young men pocketed $7 to $14 a day; young women, from $4 to $6 on average. For my part, there were days when I only counted a 25 cent coin. I struggled with the idea that the amount raised was linked to gender. However, I want to highlight a deeper issue here than just the disparity in tips between bakery employees. Rather, this disparity is a manifestation of gender stereotypes and a perpetuation of gender inequalities.
At the bakery, men receive more tips because customers are surprised and impressed by a young man’s helpfulness and sociability during their interactions. However, these qualities are taken for granted when women “serve” customers. Women must be courteous and polite, with good customer contact skills. They therefore do not have to be rewarded for their service, because it “goes without saying”.
When a man demonstrates the same quality of service, he should be encouraged for his attitude. Thus, the gestures that shine among men are only daily expectations among women, thus creating unequal financial rewards. In my opinion, any time a man receives higher tips than a woman, stereotypes are perpetuated, with the associated advantages.
In the same way, you will not be surprised to learn that young women from visible minorities receive fewer tips than their so-called native French or Quebec colleagues. Once again, the gaps are widening. This puts into perspective the value attributed to each individual in our society. Faced with these disparities, anxiety grips me. As a young female academic of Asian descent, I fear the future that awaits me in the job market.
The following year, the introduction of tipping at payment terminals marked a significant change for us, as most people now mainly use electronic means of payment. This innovation offers customers the possibility of leaving a tip or not directly from the terminal.
The subject of tipping is currently the subject of several debates. My point is not to discuss the appropriateness of tipping. I understand that many customers are unhappy with the tipping option at the terminals. However, I just want to remind you that whether or not to tip is a choice, not an obligation.
Although the introduction of the tipping option at payment terminals has led to a general increase in tipping, the same problems persist from my first summer at the bakery: young men receive a higher percentage of tips than men. young women for equivalent quality service. While this may seem insignificant, this disparity accumulates over weeks, months and years and has a significant impact.
In the light of the brightly lit terraces, outings to bars and walks to local shops, I think back to my beginnings at this bakery in Villeray, completely unaware of what awaited me. Each evening, the habit of emptying our aprons became an experience tinged with both hope and disappointment.
Raise awareness, bring about change. That’s what I want. I take up my pen for the benefit of my colleagues who, like me, work for minimum wage. I would like to believe in a future where service will be genderless, where the value of each person will be defined not by their sex and origins, but by their merit, their work and their humanity.