Quebec restaurant owners want labour law reform to include tip-sharing mechanism

MONTREAL — Members of an association representing Quebec restaurant owners are calling on the province to include a tip-sharing mechanism in the province’s labour code.

They are appearing today before a committee studying a bill that seeks to amend the province’s labour standards act.

As it stands, only waiters receiving tips decide if and how they are divided.

Martin Vezina, a spokesman for the Quebec Restaurant Association, says that means there is a huge discrepancy in the pay between servers and other kitchen staff.

The association conducted a survey last year that suggests wait staff make about $27 per hour versus kitchen staff, who make about $16.

Vezina says restaurant owners are advocating for some flexibility to introduce tip-sharing if it is necessary in their establishment.

Several renowned Quebec chefs are among those advocating for a more equitable distribution of tips among restaurant employees.