Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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how would you handle this (SSV) (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by dylsWRLD740
I’m a shift supervisor at my location and i forgot my aprons at the store for 1 shift. So not even 6 hours after my shift ended, in an effort to prove a point, my SM had another shift soak my aprons in water then FREEZE THEM OVER NIGHT. Before we start; yes i know i should have brought them with me and i’ve forgotten them a time or two before. Now i have no ssv aprons for my shift and will have to wear my holiday apron (and most likely be written up for not being in dress code) not to mention the fact that i literally had to take a box cutter to it because it was frozen to a box of bacon goudas. Isn’t this harassment or bullying or something? I want to confront her and the other shift but feel i will be gaslit and made to feel it was my fault for leaving them because that’s how my manager handles all store problems. Any advice is appreciated seriously. :/
esaeklsg 262 points 1y ago
what kind of weird power move is that wtf
honestly I’d transfer or quit. Talk to the DM if you want. I can’t imagine a SM who would do something like that is someone I’d want to work with and I don’t have alot of faith in Starbucks actually doing anything about it in a respectable amount of time.
honestly I’d transfer or quit. Talk to the DM if you want. I can’t imagine a SM who would do something like that is someone I’d want to work with and I don’t have alot of faith in Starbucks actually doing anything about it in a respectable amount of time.
philosopher_cat_lady 22 points 1y ago
I agree, no one should have to work with people who bully them. When I was getting bullied by a coworker, no one cared. I told my DM, my SM. I ended up quitting over it. And then when you consider that OP's situation is their SM bullying them as well--I would imagine it's harder to fire an SM than a barista (or an SSV, which is the other bully in OP's situation). I would immediately start looking for another work environment rather than that toxic one. All that over a fucking apron left behind? Baristas forgot their aprons all the fucking time at my old store (or possibly left them on purpose because they didn't care about the rule), and at Target my team leader left hers at the store on purpose and created personalized hooks for team members' aprons. (She was brand new to Starbucks and probably unaware of the "don't leave dirty aprons at the store/don't use the apron hooks when you're not at work" rule and I didn't give enough of a shit to teach her she was doing something "wrong.") It's not a big deal. How would the SM react if a big deal occurred?
Random-Brunette 130 points 1y ago
That is so juvenile and you have every right to be mad. Unless at your next shift you're met with a new apron and a "haha, bad joke we're sorry," I'd totally confront them. It's what mean girls do at slumber parties for a power trip. You're supposed to be a team.
dylsWRLD740 [OP] 21 points 1y ago
my SM didn’t acknowledge it at all, didn’t not apologize, and told other baristas she thought it was funny :) I made official complaints to HR, and everyone i could get in touch with who makes more than her basically
Jhinterested 3 points 1y ago
Yeah I'm glad you went ahead to complain about it. I'd let your dm know to. It's just a really weird punishment.
gilbasrevenge 12 points 1y ago
The way I would absolutely sabotage this person, like this behavior would awaken the part of me that has no boundaries or remorse tbh. They’re lucky the staff at that bux seem to be peaceable.
persona-2 1 points 1y ago
Like April fools joke for a team that was close is the best I can come up with.
philosopher_cat_lady -10 points 1y ago
Sounds like a sick way to cause someone to never forget their apron again
CorCaroli11 101 points 1y ago
I would definitely report that, that's not okay. It's passive aggressive and doesn't really prove any kind of "point", as well as sets you up to face disciplinary action. Very immature move for someone who's supposed to be in a leadership position.
And you say that this is their usual MO for dealing with things like this? That's bad news. Not only should you report this person, but I'd encourage anyone else in your store who's had a bad experience to file an anonymous report on the PCC website.
And you say that this is their usual MO for dealing with things like this? That's bad news. Not only should you report this person, but I'd encourage anyone else in your store who's had a bad experience to file an anonymous report on the PCC website.
catarinavanilla 38 points 1y ago
That part where it sets you up for failure is huge. One thing to oops and leave your apron and have to wear it dirty, it’s another to completely disable the functionality of it so the person is forced to break rules
gay_robots 15 points 1y ago
Is argue this isn’t just passive aggressive, this is just straight up aggression since it sets OP up to face extra consequences they wouldn’t have to worry about if the SM hadn’t caused direct harm
CorCaroli11 4 points 1y ago
You're make a good point. It's just such a slimy move
SeparateAd3473 40 points 1y ago
Yeah I’d say that is harassment and completely uncalled for. My SM will actually confiscate any aprons left in the store so that’s the consequence if people leave them behind. She’s pretty cool if you were to ask her for an apron or own up to leaving one behind. I’d maybe speak to HR because this isn’t right. If you have a car I would recommend leaving at least one clean apron in your car for emergencies. Sometimes I don’t grab one when I’m running to open early in the morning and this has saved me. I like to keep my name tag, an apron, and pens and sharpies in my my car so I car easily grab what I need for my shift. You are human so missing one of these is understandable.
Blonde-RU2-Mastrena 38 points 1y ago
🥴 This is not food safe.
Call HR. This is a weird one. We have tons of extra aprons at the store just in case. I don't understand why someone would do this to another human being if not to be deliberately cruel.
Call HR. This is a weird one. We have tons of extra aprons at the store just in case. I don't understand why someone would do this to another human being if not to be deliberately cruel.
Blue-Sky1325 24 points 1y ago
What in the actual hell is going on? Who does this?
I’d be reporting this ASAP
I’d be reporting this ASAP
Electrical_Metal_106 17 points 1y ago
Report it. This is so stupid and it sends a bad message to the whole team. How would your SM react if you did something like that to a barista when they messed up? This definitely doesn’t follow the “what, what, why” system. Lol!
Lost_Treat_6296 12 points 1y ago
Go to your district manager. That's hazing beyond reason. Especially if they literally wrecked your apron in an effort to prove a point.
Beyond rude. Childish. Not appropriate for Starbucks or it's "third place" policy.
Beyond rude. Childish. Not appropriate for Starbucks or it's "third place" policy.
Malevolent_barnacle 10 points 1y ago
Call PCC. That kind of behavior is not in line with our mission and values
Unicorn_Warrior1248 6 points 1y ago
I am so sick of SMs right now, especially mine, and if this happened at my store, I would run to your DM or partner resources. That’s really unacceptable.
Tajthegodking 6 points 1y ago
Ex supervisor here , I left Starbucks for a Data engineering job. Anyways , I would talk to HR. They are creating a hostile work environment. If they begin to do things that you deem as retaliatory actions contact HR again and let them know that. You have to get in front of it before they di because it will always be your word against your managers if they "Write you up" first. So document everything ! Pictures of the apron , time and day of when it happened.
LeftManatee1982 6 points 1y ago
100% bullying or gaslighting if you have proof it was the SM I would report to the DM even if it wasn’t the SM if “you have tried to discuss it with the SM” and it’s still happening take it to the DM that you dont feel able to successfully complete your tasks with the issues being handled how they are
philosopher_cat_lady 5 points 1y ago
That is misuse of company property. Tell your DM. Tell the SM's of other locations in your area and ask them if you can transfer to their store.
marilynmansonsbitch 5 points 1y ago
wtf!!!! i would be raising hell about this, anyone who handles problems like this on a regular basis should NOT be in a position of power. that is so fucking high school dude, im so angry for you. call partner resources, call ethics, call SOMEONE because that is 100% not ok.
sailorgrumpycat 5 points 1y ago
This is a form of hazing and harassment. If it were a legitimate policy concern you would have had counseling/coaching, followed by documented coaching as a form of disciplinary action.
I would call your dm and arrange a sit down meeting with your sm and the other ssv who did this and explain this to them, and acknowledge that if you have legitimate shortcomings they should be handled in a more professional and less childish manner. Then i would at the same time request new embroidered aprons that you will not be paying for.
I would call your dm and arrange a sit down meeting with your sm and the other ssv who did this and explain this to them, and acknowledge that if you have legitimate shortcomings they should be handled in a more professional and less childish manner. Then i would at the same time request new embroidered aprons that you will not be paying for.
Amber_Weird 4 points 1y ago
Send an email to your store manager describing the situation, cc your DM, and BCC ethics and compliance, if you can get a signed statement from one of your coworkers that witnessed her saying that, or a screenshot of the texts it would be wonderful for your case.
herpaslurp 4 points 1y ago
I would take it as a joke, but if you think you'll be written up in response to them doing this I'd consider that sabotage.
In the benign case, I'd just wear the holiday apron or ask to see if anyone has an extra for you to borrow that day.
In the case where you get a write up for it, I wouldn't sign the write up and take it up with both the dm and ethics and compliance. If things are always like this at your store too (bullying versus razzing) I'd highly recommend transferring.
In the benign case, I'd just wear the holiday apron or ask to see if anyone has an extra for you to borrow that day.
In the case where you get a write up for it, I wouldn't sign the write up and take it up with both the dm and ethics and compliance. If things are always like this at your store too (bullying versus razzing) I'd highly recommend transferring.
sero5074 1 points 1y ago
Happy cake day…and great advice but I wouldn’t take that as a joke in the slightest…hope OP gets this resolved
Such_Yellow_3332 4 points 1y ago
Put 3 nails behind their cars tires so they get a flat 🙂 stupid games deserve stupid rewards
ryzzostar 4 points 1y ago
Wow. I've never had a problem leaving an apron at work accidentally. I actually had a co-worker who took mine home to wash it when she saw I forgot it because it's had a mocha explosion and I had borrowed one from my SM. We all make mistakes. We all forget something now and again. Compassion is key. Freezing an apron is not ok. I'm sorry that happened to you OP.
canidieyet_ 4 points 1y ago
same. if we forget our apron we just hang them up in the back. i don’t understand all the shifts and SMs in these comments that act like it’s a huge deal. freezing an apron is absolutely ridiculous
dylsWRLD740 [OP] 3 points 1y ago
i appreciate it friend; the proper channels have been contacted regarding the situation hopefully we will come to a resolution:)
fidakitkat 3 points 1y ago
Tf? I always forget my apron at work and it’s just hung up on our coat rack next time I come in. I do the same for anyone else who forgets theirs. I honestly didn’t know you could get in trouble for forgetting your apron at the store? Starbucks is always on some bullshit. If it wasn’t for asu and my health insurance I’d be out
fidakitkat 2 points 1y ago
I mean I get it’s a food safety thing like we should clean out aprons but I have 4 so I bring a new one the next day. I mean who hasn’t re worn an apron if it’s not dirty tho? I’m so mad about this lmao
sero5074 2 points 1y ago
I re wear my dirty aprons all the time and no one says anything so this SM has got to be losing their mind
fidakitkat 1 points 1y ago
Lmaoo seriously I’m so blown by this
sero5074 1 points 1y ago
I guess it’s not a big deal at our store?
Sdee1234 3 points 1y ago
Not an ok reaction. I am the apron gremlin at my store because i hate dirty laundry hanging in the back. But i take the aprons home and wash them and keep them in my trunk so people who dont have them have to ask me for an apron and i can give them a clean one and say "hey dont leave stinky aprons in the back". I dont freeze them or damage them or prevent someone from doing their job. That is childish and ridiculous. Report, transfer or quite. Your SM sounds awful
dylsWRLD740 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
she is:)
BlueWaters99 3 points 1y ago
Yeah. They are ridiculous! So you forgot your apron? What’s worse: “forgotten apron” or “freeze a co-worker’s apron so it’s not usable and it’s not even your property to touch”? It’s immature and not funny at all.
[deleted] 3 points 1y ago
[deleted]
bingethinker16 3 points 1y ago
That is ridiculous. It's definitely harassment and borderline workplace violence which we just had a training module for the spring launch.
You can report employee mistreatment to Partner Contact Center (PCC). Keep in mind this is HR but they will open an investigation into your SM.
You can report employee mistreatment to Partner Contact Center (PCC). Keep in mind this is HR but they will open an investigation into your SM.
totallynot_cloyd 2 points 1y ago
Go strait to your DM. That’s unacceptable.
goddessofwaterpolo 2 points 1y ago
What????????
rroxannee 2 points 1y ago
ummm please report this. wow. when we forgot about an apron, it was just susceptible to another partner taking it and using it, NOT FREEZING IT TO A BOX OF BACON GOUDAS???
Epona_02 2 points 1y ago
uhh yeah that’s definitely harassment and/or bullying
AuntieRia1128 2 points 1y ago
Oh man, I am so sorry! This is horrible, and immature. I can’t believe they would do this!!! It is downright bullying!!
Also, we all leave our aprons at the store if we work days in a row, no one cares, I don’t quite understand why it was such an issue!
Also, we all leave our aprons at the store if we work days in a row, no one cares, I don’t quite understand why it was such an issue!
sunkissedcreation220 2 points 1y ago
Call ethics.
_circuts 2 points 1y ago
Take pictures as proof if you can.
forgetful_fairy 1 points 1y ago
THAT’S DEFINITELY NOT OK? This isn’t MTV it’s our livelihood. That’s fucksd up.
Starbucks_IVF_MAMA 1 points 1y ago
That's literally hazing. Report them IMMEDIATELY to the don't DM.😡
briannuzzi 1 points 1y ago
that is 10000% NOT a normal or rational thing to do. what the fuck??? she technically damaged your property! that’s a crime! don’t let her think that it’s your fault that SHE damaged your apron and now you have nothing to wear. take the evidence to your DM or something
[deleted] 1 points 1y ago
Don’t be shy, what store is this?
babbyalien 1 points 1y ago
Call pcc
ilholtstilin 1 points 1y ago
This is definitely wrong and could be reported but I’ll be real—I also definitely laughed at this 🤷🏼♂️
Active-Tomato9546 1 points 1y ago
Ahhh, would your sm happen to be a military vet too? It's a common thing in the military (leaving uniform items or gear in the shop were it shouldn't be = they get frozen especially in the maintance). Anyway if this is (BY ABSOLUTE UNLIKELY CHANCE) to be the case, it is most likely an ill advised attempt to teach a lesson rather than do anything formal, such as a write up or other disciplinary action.
Again, realizing the unlikely nature of your sm actually being a vet due to low population of vets (among the wider population) however it is a different perspective to give thought to. Being a vet, I understand the situation as "hey you messed up, don't do it again, we're cool and let's laugh about this later". Not bullying or anything unprofessional (as the popular opinion suggests). Just a sign of hey this is wrong, correct it and we all will move on without paperwork.
Otherwise, they could have just written you up and good luck if you wanted to promote further. Just a thought.
Again, realizing the unlikely nature of your sm actually being a vet due to low population of vets (among the wider population) however it is a different perspective to give thought to. Being a vet, I understand the situation as "hey you messed up, don't do it again, we're cool and let's laugh about this later". Not bullying or anything unprofessional (as the popular opinion suggests). Just a sign of hey this is wrong, correct it and we all will move on without paperwork.
Otherwise, they could have just written you up and good luck if you wanted to promote further. Just a thought.
Ali-McWonderland 1 points 1y ago
Call partner resources and report it. That is not acceptable.
Zealousideal-Star448 1 points 1y ago
I’d call the DM and take note of the dates and time. Their is a difference between correction of a mistake (humans do that) and complete bullying
Vincent_Cromwell27 1 points 1y ago
Sounds like a joke that went too far.
[deleted] 1 points 1y ago
[removed]
Necessary_Low939 -5 points 1y ago
I don’t think that other shift is to blame, they probably were following orders from the sm. But definitely report it somewhere. That’s like making you stand up in a corner in school because u did something wrong. Corporal punishment
dylsWRLD740 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
i agree. in the situation the SSV is the one who told me later that day so i didn’t go in blind. she said the SM is the one who handed her the apron. not mad at the SSV at all she was only doing what her boss told her to🤷🏻♂️
Necessary_Low939 1 points 1y ago
Yea. If she don’t that before she needs to change her ways. I don’t know y I’m being downvoted
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