I am a server at a higher-end, local steakhouse.
Four weeks ago there was an incident at work in which myself and two other openers were cut from the floor.
This means that we done taking tables, we are to finish up our tables, roll silverware, polish glasses, etc. Basically, help the closers get shit done so they can do their closing duties and go.
Our restaurant is a very tight space, especially in the back of the house. Not much room and constantly working on top of each other/getting in each others' way.
I was trying to roll silverware with one of the openers after a long shift. We were standing rolling silverware in the same place we always do. People kept needing us to move aside to grab something, or they kept calling for food runners, there was just always one thing or another hindering us from doing what we were supposed to be doing which was rolling silverware.
Our building has a separate area to it that is essentially just used for storage but has in the past been used for larger parties and banquets. I knew it was unlocked because I had to go over there earlier in the night so I had the idea that we could go over there and roll our silverware without interruption, while also being out of the way of the other people in the server alley. win win.
Turns out it was a great idea because after about 15 minutes we were able to get quite a bit of silverware rolled.
But after about 15 minutes 1 of my managers came and told us very sternly that we were not allowed to be in there and that they did not want us in there so confused, I left and went back to the main part of the restaurant to be confronted by my GM telling me very firmly and very aggressively that we did not have permission to be in there and that it was only for storage. He said they need us to run food which didn't make sense considering there were several people just standing around in the server alley and also we are officially cut.
I asked him what the concern and not being in the other space was and he just didn't give a straight answer but instead reiterated that it was for storage and they didn't want us over there.
I was pretty upset so later in the night I set my checkout down in front of my manager (we'll call him M1) and I didn't say anything. He noticed I was upset and asked if I wanted to talk I thought about it for a second and agreed to chat. He told me to lead the wear so I walked us outside so we could be away from people and talk I don't want to got out there my GM was finishing a conversation with the other server who was rolling with me. So naturally, he came over and joined the conversation I was having with my other manager.
I explained that I was frustrated because I was trying to come up with a solution to a problem and felt like I wasn't given a good answer why that wasn't a good solution. I mentioned that we shouldn't have to be continuously interrupted when there are other people who can do things like run food. I made a lot of good points and yes I was frustrated but I maintained my composure and didn't swear or do anything that could be misconstrued as aggression or attitude. I also mentioned my frustrations that in other jobs I have worked the company has to pay their workers minimum wage and cannot pay tip wage when a server is not able to take tables i.e. doing opening work before the restaurant is open or after you are cut, because you are not able to make tips during that time so you must be paid differently.
My general manager responded by essentially telling me that I'm only concerned with myself and when I get to leave and that I am obviously selfish and lazy and don't care about my team. (I love my team and would do almost anything for most of them) As for the pay, he said that's not how this company operates and I wouldnt make this money anywhere else (its true i can easily make 50 on a two top and my biggest night was right around 500). He also said if I wasn't happy with the pay maybe this isn't the company for me. I made it clear that I really enjoyed the work there and I'm happy at the company but he just reiterated that I shouldn't be there if that's how I feel before cutting off my response with “have a great night”. Got in his car and drove off angry. I finished the convo with the other manager and it ended amicably.
Fast forward to a week later I work with my GM again for the 1st time since then and I want to apologize to him for bringing up money as that was not truly the issue and I didn't feel like I represented myself well by bringing that up.
He appreciated my apology, squeaked out a half-assed attempted apology of sorts, and I shook his hand.
That was three weeks ago. I've worked with him a few times since then, things seemed fine.
Two days ago I see I'm scheduled one day a week.
I try to pick up a shift but I get denied.
I go in to confront my scheduling manager (M2) and she said she heard there was an altercation a few weeks ago (she admitted she didn't know because she wasn't there that night) and she was told by her boss (gm) to put me down to one day a week.
I was furious because I was given no heads up. No verbal warning. No written warning.
M1 was also in this convo and he said they've continued to have issues with me leaving early and not running food. Both are bullshit. I run food when I can (have been intentional since 4 weeks ago) and I always make sure my closers are good before I leave.
It feels like petty passive aggressive retaliation for making my GM mad a month ago. And it's not cool that they can fuck over my income for my family with no notice or warning or even a conversation. All this after I apologized.
My paralegal friend said to sue and the pay thing likely isn't legal in OH. I don't want to sue I don't want to make threats. I'm supposed to have a meeting with M2 and GM (and probably M1 because he loves drama) in a few days and I'm not sure if I'm gonna get fired or what.