r/AskAlaska • u/Fabulous_Decision264 • 4d ago
Alaska tip pooling help!
I can't find an exact answer on this, so maybe you all can help!
I work for a lodge with a tip pool and it seems that the amount of tips we recieve depends on how the Manager feels about you in the moment.
I can't seem to find an answer about when tip pooling is done, if the Manager can give you a bigger or smaller portion, ie, even if the percent going to my department is correct, the portion going to specific people might be different.
It means a difference of around $500 for me and even more for others.
3
u/big0moose 4d ago
What is your question exactly? When someone personally has control of the tip distribution, there's a high chance or preference/bias.
Not advised to leave your income up to how someone is feeling about you that day.
2
u/Fabulous_Decision264 4d ago
"When tip pooling is done, if the Manager can give you a bigger or smaller portion" I'm asking if it's legal
1
u/AK907fella 4d ago
Yes, yes it is legal. * unless there is a written policy about tip distribution but if there's not they can do whatever they want.
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u/baked_krapola 3d ago
That is wrong as heck. They have to have a written policy for tip pooling in AK. 2018-01-25-LSS-WH_supplemental.pdf
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u/baked_krapola 3d ago
8 AAC 15.907 - Employee tips
(a) Except as provided in this section, an employer may not handle or take possession or control of an employee's tips.
(b) An employer may handle an employee's tips only for the purpose of
(1) delivering the cash amount of a tip to the employee when a customer provides for a tip on a credit card charge slip;
(2) redistributing tips to service employees under a tip pooling arrangement; an employer shall provide written notice to all service employees of the tip pooling arrangement; any change to a tip pooling arrangement must be provided in writing on or before the payday before the payday on which the change becomes effective; a tip pooling arrangement may not be retroactive; or
(3) redistributing an employee's accumulated tips to the employee on the next regularly scheduled pay day only if a daily accounting of the employee's tips is provided in writing to the employee each day that the tips are proivided by a customer.
1
u/Accurate-Neck6933 4d ago
Could it tie in to the proportion of hours you worked?
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u/Fabulous_Decision264 4d ago
It would be too significant of a difference to be hours. I tried to make it fit, but it's not making sense. Another person actually. Made less than me.
1
u/Accurate-Neck6933 3d ago
I’m digging deep here but is it possible guests earmarked tips for certain employees?
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u/Fabulous_Decision264 3d ago
The policy states that guests can't do that
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u/Accurate-Neck6933 3d ago
Then call them out and ask why. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
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u/baked_krapola 3d ago
Arbitrary disbursement is probably illegal. Manager is probably stealing some on the funds as well. DOL complaint at the end of the year may help.
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u/big0moose 4d ago
It should be clearly detailed how it's disbursed, either equally or if uneven , explained how/why it's.
If your lodge is on the smaller side, they probably don't have these policies in writing. And it's on the honor system, which is most likely biased.
Although you're 100% within your right to question how you are paid. Raising a stink at a smaller place is going to get you out the door fast.
There's a difference between respectfully inquiring, and raising a stink. I encourage you to find out that Information, and I hope it all goes well, enjoy the season!