San Francisco Restaurant Workers Want Mandatory 25 Percent Tip

Restaurant workers in San Francisco are trying to change the equation on tipping.

Instead of the customer deciding how much to leave — and restaurant patrons typically tip between 15 and 20 percent — they are seeking to make mandatory a 25 percent service charge which would come with every bill.

Proponents of the change cite the difficult work restaurant employees do and the bad economy, which is driving down take-home pay for the wait staff.

Those opposed to the measure would point out that requiring a specific fee for service goes against the very concept of tipping.