I don't know how it is in every country, but it was my understanding that most European countries have a more "living-wage/not-as-dependent-on-tips" pay structure for restaurant workers.
In the US, it is particularly bad, since most table-service restaurants (a) pay below minimum wage to wait staff (and expect the differential to be made up for in tips), (b) frequently do not offer healthcare, and/or (c) often cut hours in a way that makes it difficult to hit 40 hours and/or qualify for healthcare coverage even if it is offered. Some things are FINALLY changing post-Covid, but not everywhere, not fast enough, and not "permanently".