Tizoc Zarate, a demonstrator associated with One Fair Wage, an organization working to end subminimum wages. — ETX Studio picWASHINGTON, May 30 — As the number of Covid-19 cases soared in Washington through the fall and winter, Tizoc Zarate waited tables at a local restaurant — but struggled to put enough food on the table for himself and his girlfriend.
The Mexican-American server is not alone — hundreds of restaurant workers and activists protested this week at lunch-hour “wage strikes” across the United States, demanding an end to what they say is unacceptable pay for tipped workers. “During the pandemic, tips were down 60-70 per vcent and there were increased incidents of customer hostility and aggression,” says Yamila Ruiz, the communications director for One Fair Wage, which organized the protests.In Washington, the “wage strike” — staged by a handful of industry workers — took place Wednesday outside the Old Ebbitt Grill, a historic bar and restaurant not far from the White House that is popular both with politicians and tourists.
“Probably half of the people were not wearing masks when I would come , some were not following the rule about the number of people at the table, and management would overlook things like that,” he said.