Stella's ..........


So, what do we think about Stella's.  In just a few days, the company has changed.  It started out as one instagram account "Not My Stella's". Some hundreds of allegations from past and present employees. Once was the floodgates were open, more and more allegations.  People gain power from speaking in numbers.  They hired an HR firm to provide training and to review policies.  Two top executives were placed on administrative leave.  A restaurant chain with only 6 locations in Winnipeg.  Hard to imagine they needed a General Manager and a Regional Manager, but didn't have a dedicated person to handle HR.  Maybe it was the Time's Up movement coming to Winnipeg, but allegation after allegation.  Varied allegations.  They didn't seem to be the same. 

I think it is long overdue in the service industry.  Service industry employees are usually quiet, but we are now hearing them roar.  Some of the allegations seems to have less seriousness than others.  I don't know if consistent breaks is really a deal breaker.  I would imagine in the industry there are times when there is down time and there is time when breaks are difficult.  I have to admit that when I try to settle and bill and am told that I have to wait until my server comes back from break, I am irritated and the longer the wait, the more it impacts the tip. 

I like how each Stella's location has a different feel and it is not chain-like.  In reality, I only partake in the location at the airport when I am there. 

I have to confess that I hope these leads to some sort of closure or restructuring of the chain.  Not that I wish ill will to anyone, but, in these cases, where there are so many varied allegations that have happened over such a long period of time, it is good to see that these people are risking their careers over something.  It will be good to send a message to other restaurants to treat their employees are their most valued asset.  I don't know why that is not common sense. 

We see inappropriate behavior from the restaurant industry all the way to our hallowed halls of the Manitoba Legislation. 

We need a massive shift in our work culture where we value people and we treat all people ethically.  That just means fairly and with clear expectations.

In the mean time, I agree with my friend who posted this yesterday.  If you get a resume from a Stella's employee, hire them.  They are likely good brave and independent thinkers.  Exactly what you should want. 

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