A fancy Muskoka resort orders its spa workers to hand over their tips (or get out)
A Marriott resort in cottage country is forcing some of its staff to give nearly half their gratuities to the hotel—if they don’t, they’ll be fired—which we have to say, seems a little heavy-handed. In a three-page letter obtained by the Toronto Star, Rosseau Muskoka general manager Tony Tamburro lays out the new policy: customers will be charged a 20 per cent gratuity, of which 8.75 percentage points will go to the hotel “to efficiently manage our costs and to remain competitive within the industry.” Forced tip-outs aren’t new (though the cut taken by management in this case seems especially high), but they have been in the limelight this month after Dalton McGuinty showed some enthusiasm for a bill to outlaw the practice. Until such legislation prevents Rosseau from taking a cut, we wonder if spa-frequenting folk will be taking their $450 “Rock, Wind & Water for Two” packages elsewhere. [Toronto Star]
In case you didn’t know you were being gouged. It is common practise to take 50% or more of fees for Massage (RMT or otherwise). Its even worse for estheticians. I have been in practise as an MT in the Muskoka area for years now and absolutely refuse to work for ANY resort. The bottom line is their only consideration. Could care less about the client, their experience, retaining or properly compensating qualified staff, or any of the factors that would generally be considered part of a ‘positive’ spa experience. Cost? Bah! I can offer mobile service to any resort guest, cottage, or home in the Muskoka area for – generally – less than the fees for in spa service. Good luck finding local quality talent who will work for you after this debacle, Mr. Tamburro! Heads up to all guests, make sure you know what you’re getting. Ask for an MT registered with the College of Massage Therapist of Ontario! That’s right Tony, we’re health care professionals.
Ok, question from someone outside Ontario. Tips are not included in PST correct? So wouldnt this be a case of the Spa creating a manditory revenue stream that they aren’t collecting PST on?
In my books, Tips should be voluntary and it should be illegal for a company to force their staff to tip out to the house. I’m fine with wait staff having to tip out the bar staff or the cooks etc. But if the house is taking a cut of a manditory tip, that just means they’re fudging their prices and doing some sketchy accounting.
during a health crisis i went for regular massages at a 5 star hotel until i found out the lovely and talented masseur was getting $15/ hr out of the $140. $15 being barely able to scrape by money in that city. i bought a massage table and had her come to mine – she made heaps more and i was happy.