The problem is, it requires everyone to stop tipping simultaneously for the owners to start paying wait staff properly.
If only a small fraction of people stop tipping, they'll get shamed as assholes and nothing gets changed.
If only a small fraction of people stop tipping, they'll get shamed as assholes and nothing gets changed.
There’s nothing wrong with ignoring those people. But I think the average person cares much more about social norms and being judged by others than the people suggesting to just stop tipping.
If there isn't critical mass, the owners won't change anything, and it unfortunately does end up punishing the servers instead of the owners.
Tipping in a restaurant where someone is waiting on you is different but, I have zero problems with refusing to tip at the register in retail stores, or for carry out orders at restaurants. I think we can collectively decide against that without fear of being ostracized by society. There's no "norm" right now that says I have to tip someone for a retail transaction, but there is pressure being put on us to normalize it so that businesses can save on labor expenses. Just say no.