To Cut Costs, NYC Eateries Turn to Virtual Cashiers Overseas

Several New York City restaurants now use virtual cashiers—workers in the Philippines who appear on screens via Zoom—to greet customers and take orders.

The $3-an-hour workers are employed by Happy Cashier, a startup helping restaurants cut costs amid high rents and inflation.

The practice is legal but has sparked backlash from labor advocates who warn it could drive down wages and reduce local restaurant jobs.

The U.S. minimum wage laws apply only to workers physically located in the state.

Still, labor advocates have raised alarms, warning that the practice could undermine wages and further reduce restaurant jobs.

Some NYC Restaurants Try Out Virtual Staff Who Take Orders Via Zoom – The New York Times