(RALEIGH) -- Food service workers in North Carolina and around the country are mounting a campaign to increase their minimum wage.   Nationally, the minimum wage for workers who receive tips is $2.13 an hour.

This low wage opens the door to other issues, according to Sabine Schoenbeck of the NC Justice Center. She said the wage is so low that getting time off is a rarity.

"In North Carolina, almost half of the private workforce lacks paid sick days, but in food service occupations more than 4 out of 5 workers lack access to paid sick days," said Schoenbeck.

Food service workers are asking for at least $5.50 as a minimum standard.  Industry lobbyists are in Washington talking to legislators about passing the Workers for Adequate Gains for Employment in Services.  The legislation is being commonly called the WAGES Act.