WBUR Newsroom Election 2008 CommonHealth Blog Boston Weather BBC World News NPR Top Stories NPR's Morning Edition NPR Topics: Books NPR Topics: Movies Fresh Air All Things Considered Marketplace Submit a Story Idea RSS Feeds Podcasts Tipping the Balance By David Boeri Listen to story (Real Audio) By one estimate, Americans fork over $30 billion in tips each year. (Photo: AP) BOSTON, Mass. - May 16, 2008 - The food service industry is the third largest employer in the United States. In Massachusetts, 300,000 people work in restaurants, bars, clubs and so on. Many rely on tips for their income. By one estimate, out of Cornell University, Americans hand over about $30 billion in gratuities each year. But some workers say employers are now skimming those tips. It's becoming a battleground over workers rights, as some take their bosses to court. A Massachusetts attorney's success in winning a lot of the cases is drawing national notice. WBUR's David Boeri reports. RELATED LINKS Radio Boston: "Whose Tips?"    From The WBUR Newsroom Hanna Heads for New England BOSTON (September 05, 2008) State officials are keeping a close eye on Tropical Storm Hanna as it inches up the Atlantic coast. Preview: Pats' Season Opener BOSTON, Mass. (September 05, 2008) We preview the Patriots' first regular season game this Sunday. New England hosts the Kansas City Chiefs at Foxborough. aka, "The Man Mall" FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (September 05, 2008) When the New England Patriots open their regular season at home on Sunday, fans are going to see something brand new: a huge shopping mall right next to Gillette Stadium. MA & NH Delegates React ST. PAUL, Minn. (September 05, 2008) This morning, Republicans are leaving Minnesota to return to their homes all over the country. We gauge reaction to John McCain's speech among New England delegates.