: I am a crew trainer at a Burgerking in Canada, and I have
: to say that I'm sorry to see that there is such a difference
: between our two stores. We are by no means perfect, but we
: observe our food safety policies and do not serve out-of-date
: products. We do have other problems, however. I personally
: feel that BK could me more loyal to its employees in that only
: salary managers have any benefits. : The "U" word (union) is practically grounds for termination
: in any of our stores, and though many of us have tried to form
: one, it has quickly been put to a halt.
: Full-time employees and shift-coordinators do
: not have any benefits, plans, paid vacations, sick leave, or
: even maternity leave. There is a salary cap for all wage
: employees. Regular crew cannot make $1 over minimum wage.
: Year after year, our best employees are denied raises. They
: get stellar reviews but are told, "Sorry, you're at the salary
: cap." It hurts our morale and our productivity because the
: company is so cheap, yet they pay $10, 000+ for each store to
: cover over the outside brick with stucco. It really makes you
: hate the guys at the top.
This scenario is all too common, not only in BK but many other businesses aswel. In the real world Managers (such as myself) have no option but to meet budgets dictated in actual fact by the customers although obvious guidelines are set by each individual company. The more customers you have the higher budgets (in monetary terms) you have
hence you can then pay more wages. I do not know the exact details mentioned for the initial story but in England if an employee works over 35 Hrs per week then higher rate national insurance contributions are payable by the employer which is obviously a cost to be avoided.
I however do have sympathy with all such employees & in my restaurant have several other ways of maintaining morale (non taxable benefits) so maybe even when wage capping is in force it may well be a good idea to try a different approach. As for unions, on the whole they are a good idea but fewer jobs would be available as the cost of implementing changes which unions always seek would be prohibative to a significant number of food outlets wether it be BK (Company) or a franchise.
I do hope these suggestions & comments are of help.
None.
