We tend to pay servers etc more over here so there isn't bleeding heart thing about how they need money.  That's one of the ridiculously scummy things that restaurants (in the US at least) do. From what I understand anymore, when you're hired as wait staff, you basically agree that the restaurant promises you'll make at least minimum wage in tips, and if you don't, the restaurant makes it up. If you make minimum wage or above, the restaurant gives you nothing.