Tipping in the USA?

Once again the Q/A has questions on tipping, I am absolutely staggered by the answers that are posted. Why doe service staff accept these pathetic wages? In Europe restaurants would go out of business if they tried a trick like underpaying, the unions would see to that. 3 months with no customers soon brings them into line. As for the tip it self, it is included in the cost of the food, if a waiter is given a tip, it is usually put into the common fund which is shared by the waiters NOT anyone else. The owner usually runs the bar and the chef is paid as a chef. It is time that the USA woke up and protested. Alas, there is always some one that will do the job for less pay, it is inevitable.