I was disheartened to learn that the tip I add to my coffee, brat, or pitcher of sangria does not go directly to the student workers who made it, but to the condescendingly-named “T.I.P.S” (Thoughtful Investment in the Potential of Staff) program at UW-Madison.
According to recent reporting, though the fund has brought in over $200k this year, only $60,000 worth of thoughtful investments (in the form of meal vouchers and non-existent employee recognition events) are historically made each year. But that is just a best guess, as the exact allocation of TIPS funds are unknown to the employees.
I believe workers should have a say in their working conditions and should reap the fruits of their labor. I support the rights of all workers to organize without undue discipline.
And I believe all labor has dignity. Let’s ditch the paternalism, the dangling of money above heads.
Give them a nice raise to the cost of living, some time off every once in a while, and importantly, some respect.
You can keep your T.I.P.S.
Dr. Madeline Topf is academic staff at UW-Madison and a member of United Faculty & Staff local 223
