Note: we are republishing this story, which originally made the news in March 2016.

A waitress in Colorado used social media to teach a lesson about working in America.

When Taylar Cordova received a tip for $0 on a bill of $187.43, she took a picture of the receipt and posted it to Facebook, reports Mic. Her post was accompanied by a passionate and articulate commentary about working as a server.

“You are the lowest of the low,” she wrote, speaking not just to the customer who stiffed her, but also to anyone who does not tip. Then she continued with an explanation of the consequences of diners not adding proper gratuity to their bill:

Her facts are backed up by the U.S. Department of Labor, which explains that “An employer of a tipped employee is only required to pay $2.13 per hour in direct wages if that amount combined with the tips received at least equals the federal minimum wage

.”

Cordova’s post concludes with a piece of advice. “Don’t even bother walking into a restaurant if you can’t afford to tip,” she wrote. “There’s a McDonald’s down the street if you’re that cheap.”

Her message clearly resonated with the public, having been shared more than 15,000 times on social media.

Sources: Mic, U.S. Department of Labor

In a powerful display of frustration and advocacy for service industry workers, waitress Taylar Cordova took to social media to address the issue of tipping in America. The incident occurred in Colorado, where Cordova received a tip of $0 on a bill totaling $187.43. Instead of quietly accepting the lack of gratuity, she decided to make a statement by posting a photo of the receipt on Facebook.

In her passionate post, Cordova didn’t hold back in expressing her feelings towards both the customer who stiffed her and individuals who choose not to tip. She highlighted the harsh reality of working as a server, citing the federal minimum wage for tipped employees, which is significantly lower than the standard minimum wage. This means that tips are essential for these workers to make a living wage.

Cordova’s message was clear: if you can’t afford to tip, then you shouldn’t dine out at a full-service restaurant. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the hard work and dedication that service industry workers put into their jobs, and how tipping is an integral part of their income.

The response to Cordova’s post was overwhelming, with the story being shared more than 15,000 times on social media. It sparked a conversation about the importance of tipping and respecting the service provided by restaurant staff. Cordova’s bold stance shed light on the struggles that many service industry workers face, and the impact that a simple tip can have on their livelihood.

Ultimately, Cordova’s message serves as a reminder to always show appreciation for the hard work of service industry workers. Tipping is not only a way to reward good service, but it is also a crucial form of support for those who rely on it to make ends meet.