Unionized Workers at Seattle Bakery Sea Wolf Can Now Accept Tips | Eater Seattle

"Opened on Stone Way in 2016, this bakery founded by brothers Jesse and Kit Schumann originally rejected tipping, aiming to pay above minimum wage with benefits while avoiding the inequities and abuses they associated with tip culture. After more than 40 staff unionized with UFCW Local 3000 seeking higher pay, the owners opened their books and, together with workers, adopted a tip pool that distributes tips evenly per hour across all hourly roles so a busy Saturday doesn’t skew anyone’s share. In a city with high wages but even higher living costs, the shift is meant to bridge the gap between base pay and a livable income, and early feedback has been largely positive: prices haven’t dropped, but staff morale and communication have improved, and customers have mostly welcomed the new tipping screens—many had even asked how to leave a tip before the change." - Harry Cheadle