Georgia urges public to pick "fair pay" restaurants for Valentine's Day

Feb. 14 is a big day for couples to share romantic meals out, and the Georgia Minimum Wage Coalition wants them to seek restaurants committed to paying staff above the state and federal minimum wage. Those that do may display a sign for "Fair Eats."

Servers who work for tips on top of their base wage, get $2.13 per hour at a minimum. That rate hasn't changed since 1991.

The group also wants to see passage in the Georgia General Assembly of House Bill 290 by Rep. Doug McKillip, D-Athens. It would phase in an increase to eventually reach 50 percent of the standard federal minimum wage for workers who do not collect tips, which is currently $7.25 per hour. That would eventually raise waiters to $3.63 per hour.

Many business owners argue that boosting wages increases their costs, which must be either passed along to customers or reduced by layoffs or delayed hiring. With Georgia at a record 10.3 percent unemployment, some critics argue now is not the time to risk existing jobs with a required wage increase.

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