'Psychological safety for our staff': Kitchener business not accepting tips as feelings towards the practice are changing

Odd Duck Wine and Provisions in downtown Kitchener is not accepting tips from customers, instead management is paying the staff of ten above the regional living wage rate set at $19.95 an hour by the Ontario Living Wage Network.

Odd Duck Wine and Provisions in downtown Kitchener is not accepting tips from customers, instead management is paying the staff of ten above the regional living wage rate set at $19.95 an hour by the Ontario Living Wage Network.

“The biggest thing it comes down to is psychological safety for our staff,” Jon Rennie, the culinary director at Odd Duck Wine & Provisions said.

“We basically make up the difference to pay people by increasing the prices a little bit and better sourcing,” Rennie said.

The wage approach does result in some higher prices for their items. But the restaurant believes customers will be willing to pay a higher price for peace of mind.

“Knowing that being on a set wage where you're actually making a thriving wage in the service industry is just a really rare opportunity to come by, and it's really nice to actually experience it,” Emma Osmond, the bar manager at Odd Duck Wine & Provisions said.

According to industry watchers, restaurants have been encouraging higher tips. As a result, the no-tipping model may become more popular as a response to so-called tipflation.