Entire staffs at 3 Sonic locations quit after wages cut to '$4/hour plus tips'

[CaptQuint]

CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio (KUTV) - "Due to terrible management the whole store has quit" reads a letter posted on the window of a Sonic restaurant in Ohio.

The expletive-laden letter points the finger at new owners who "don't give a [expletive] about anyone but themselves" as the reason for the entire staff quitting, temporarily shutting down the store.

You can read the letter left by Circleville, Ohio employees below (WARNING: the letter contains some swear words):


Eric Blanc
@_ericblanc
· Feb 23, 2019
The entire workforce at the Sonic in Circleville, Ohio just quit en masse to protest their new management and workers least two other Sonics in the area did the same. Check out the lovely note the Circleville workers left.



According to The Scioto Post, the workers were angry over their pay being cut from Ohio's minimum wage of $8.55/hour to $4.00/hour plus tips.

Many pointed out fast food workers rarely get tipped.

Two other stores in Ohio, one in Lancaster and one in Grove City who are also under the same new ownership, also quit en masse, according to The Scioto Post.

Those stores also hung signs saying "Goodbye" and "Thank you next" on their windows.

Christi Woodworth, Vice President of Public Relations at Sonic issued a statement to The Scioto Post:

Effective Monday, February 25, eight SONIC Drive-Ins in the Columbus, Ohio market will be under new ownership and management. SRI Operating Company, an affiliate of the Sonic the SONIC franchisor and operator of SONIC Drive-ins across the nation, is in the process of purchasing these drive-ins from a franchisee.

Under new management, guests and the community can look forward to improved service and the famous food, beverages and treats for which SONIC is known. Employees working for the local drive-in can look forward to fun, fast-paced work on which they can build a career, if they choose. Most current employees will have the opportunity to continue to work at the drive-in under the new ownership.

The Circleville SONIC Drive-In will re-open on Monday morning under new management. We recognize that changes like this can be difficult for employees to understand and most current employees will have the opportunity to continue working at the drive-in.
We look forward to being a part of the community for decades to come and appreciate the opportunity to serve our guests every day.
Thank you,
Christi Woodworth
Vice President of Public Relations

[Reservoir Dog]

Good for them.

[Stapes]

Kind of like what Door Dash is doing. They use tips customers leave to the driver to supplement the base pay to the driver. So like, they promise you 6 bucks per delivery *just making up numbers* and the customer leaves a 2 dollar tip...…..you don't get 8 bucks. They use the 2 dollars towards the 6 so they only have to pay you 4. Nice scam.

[WarmBidetWater]

After this round of bad publicity, sounds like Christi might also need to look for employment elsewhere.

[CaptQuint]

After this round of bad publicity, sounds like Christi might also need to look for employment elsewhere.

"A new statement from Sonic was received on March 1, 2019 from Sonics Vice President of Public Relations Christi Woodworth on the Sonic closings and claim of reduction in pay."

"No wage rates at any level decreased as a result of this transition and Carhops may continue to receive tips above their hourly wages. Additionally, with the ownership change, employees may now have their paycheck direct deposited and general managers are now eligible for a new bonus program, among other benefits."

[CHEEZY17]

I just gave my two best employees a raise last week.

[Charliesheen]

It's a free country.

[AnalHamster]

I find the whole tipping thing in 'murica really tedious, you're paying their wages rather than rewarding good service.

[Geist]

Moving back to OH near Circleville next month. I will not have my pickle juice slushies delivered to me by panhandlers.

[QillerDaemon]

This seems like an enormous violation of federal and possibly Ohio state law. Fastfood employees are normally not considered tipped employees, as they earn minimum wage and do not normally "customarily and regularly" receive tips from customers. I asked my ex-wife whose a HR manager with IKEA, and she just groaned and said someone's about to be hit with a nasty lawsuit. You just don't change the pay conditions of your employees like that.

[CaptQuint]

This seems like an enormous violation of federal and possibly Ohio state law. Fastfood employees are normally not considered tipped employees, as they earn minimum wage and do not normally "customarily and regularly" receive tips from customers. I asked my ex-wife whose a HR manager with IKEA, and she just groaned and said someone's about to be hit with a nasty lawsuit. You just don't change the pay conditions of your employees like that.

I've been reading about this and corporate says it's not so. But someone else said there is a law that if a tipped employee doesn't make tips that add up to at least minimum wage the employer adds the difference to the employees check

[Reservoir Dog]

This seems like an enormous violation of federal and possibly Ohio state law. Fastfood employees are normally not considered tipped employees, as they earn minimum wage and do not normally "customarily and regularly" receive tips from customers. I asked my ex-wife whose a HR manager with IKEA, and she just groaned and said someone's about to be hit with a nasty lawsuit. You just don't change the pay conditions of your employees like that.

I've been reading about this and corporate says it's not so. But someone else said there is a law that if a tipped employee doesn't make tips that add up to at least minimum wage the employer adds the difference to the employees check

Who's tracking the tips? Are they cash or debit? Is the tip on the bill or cash on the table?

[CaptQuint]

This seems like an enormous violation of federal and possibly Ohio state law. Fastfood employees are normally not considered tipped employees, as they earn minimum wage and do not normally "customarily and regularly" receive tips from customers. I asked my ex-wife whose a HR manager with IKEA, and she just groaned and said someone's about to be hit with a nasty lawsuit. You just don't change the pay conditions of your employees like that.

I've been reading about this and corporate says it's not so. But someone else said there is a law that if a tipped employee doesn't make tips that add up to at least minimum wage the employer adds the difference to the employees check

Who's tracking the tips? Are they cash or debit? Is the tip on the bill or cash on the table?

Not sure, all very confusing

[QillerDaemon]

This seems like an enormous violation of federal and possibly Ohio state law. Fastfood employees are normally not considered tipped employees, as they earn minimum wage and do not normally "customarily and regularly" receive tips from customers. I asked my ex-wife whose a HR manager with IKEA, and she just groaned and said someone's about to be hit with a nasty lawsuit. You just don't change the pay conditions of your employees like that.

I've been reading about this and corporate says it's not so. But someone else said there is a law that if a tipped employee doesn't make tips that add up to at least minimum wage the employer adds the difference to the employees check

Your second sentence is the whole crux of being a tipped employee: you have to be getting at least minimum wage, but if in your job you "customarily and regularly" receive tips, your employers must pay you at least half minimum wage to make up the difference if you don't actually receive enough tipping to make up that difference. But I read the article a little closer, and it's Sonic with their drive-up car parking slots where you're served by a waiter who brings your order out to you once it's prepared. Are those normally tipped employees or aren't they? I haven't been to a Sonic in years, so I don't know, and don't remember. Normally, if there's a line on the bill for a tip, I'll put in 10-20%, and assume the server is a tipped employee. I've sometimes been wrong about that, though. But I am enough of a mature adult to understand going out to eat often involves some server's wages and put something worthwhile on that tip line, if it's there. I'm not Mr Pink, after all.

[WestTexasCrude]

Went to a Whataburger up in Midland a few weeks ago. Noticed their in-store ads for new hires. $16/ hour. And with the competition with oil field jobs, they are all having a hard time hiring.

[WestTexasCrude]

This seems like an enormous violation of federal and possibly Ohio state law. Fastfood employees are normally not considered tipped employees, as they earn minimum wage and do not normally "customarily and regularly" receive tips from customers. I asked my ex-wife whose a HR manager with IKEA, and she just groaned and said someone's about to be hit with a nasty lawsuit. You just don't change the pay conditions of your employees like that.

I've been reading about this and corporate says it's not so. But someone else said there is a law that if a tipped employee doesn't make tips that add up to at least minimum wage the employer adds the difference to the employees check

Your second sentence is the whole crux of being a tipped employee: you have to be getting at least minimum wage, but if in your job you "customarily and regularly" receive tips, your employers must pay you at least half minimum wage to make up the difference if you don't actually receive enough tipping to make up that difference. But I read the article a little closer, and it's Sonic with their drive-up car parking slots where you're served by a waiter who brings your order out to you once it's prepared. Are those normally tipped employees or aren't they? I haven't been to a Sonic in years, so I don't know, and don't remember. Normally, if there's a line on the bill for a tip, I'll put in 10-20%, and assume the server is a tipped employee. I've sometimes been wrong about that, though. But I am enough of a mature adult to understand going out to eat often involves some server's wages and put something worthwhile on that tip line, if it's there. I'm not Mr Pink, after all.

I've never tipped at Sonic anymore than I would tip the person who hands me my food at Burger King.

[WestTexasCrude]

Went to a Whataburger up in Midland a few weeks ago. Noticed their in-store ads for new hires. $16/ hour. And with the competition with oil field jobs, they are all having a hard time hiring.

Funny how the free market finds its equilibrium, eh?

Yup. And why those state mandated $15/hour minimum are beyond moronic. Business 101

[Reservoir Dog]

This seems like an enormous violation of federal and possibly Ohio state law. Fastfood employees are normally not considered tipped employees, as they earn minimum wage and do not normally "customarily and regularly" receive tips from customers. I asked my ex-wife whose a HR manager with IKEA, and she just groaned and said someone's about to be hit with a nasty lawsuit. You just don't change the pay conditions of your employees like that.

I've been reading about this and corporate says it's not so. But someone else said there is a law that if a tipped employee doesn't make tips that add up to at least minimum wage the employer adds the difference to the employees check

Your second sentence is the whole crux of being a tipped employee: you have to be getting at least minimum wage, but if in your job you "customarily and regularly" receive tips, your employers must pay you at least half minimum wage to make up the difference if you don't actually receive enough tipping to make up that difference. But I read the article a little closer, and it's Sonic with their drive-up car parking slots where you're served by a waiter who brings your order out to you once it's prepared. Are those normally tipped employees or aren't they? I haven't been to a Sonic in years, so I don't know, and don't remember. Normally, if there's a line on the bill for a tip, I'll put in 10-20%, and assume the server is a tipped employee. I've sometimes been wrong about that, though. But I am enough of a mature adult to understand going out to eat often involves some server's wages and put something worthwhile on that tip line, if it's there. I'm not Mr Pink, after all.

I've never tipped at Sonic anymore than I would tip the person who hands me my food at Burger King.

[CaptQuint]

Went to a Whataburger up in Midland a few weeks ago. Noticed their in-store ads for new hires. $16/ hour. And with the competition with oil field jobs, they are all having a hard time hiring.

Funny how the free market finds its equilibrium, eh?

Yup. And why those state mandated $15/hour minimum are beyond moronic. Business 101

You cannot post a photo on a porn forum. Do not speak of business 101

[WestTexasCrude]

Went to a Whataburger up in Midland a few weeks ago. Noticed their in-store ads for new hires. $16/ hour. And with the competition with oil field jobs, they are all having a hard time hiring.

Funny how the free market finds its equilibrium, eh?

Yup. And why those state mandated $15/hour minimum are beyond moronic. Business 101

You cannot post a photo on a porn forum. Do not speak of business 101

I will speak since of the 2 of us, Only I am involved in Business 101. So, STFU.

[CaptQuint]

Went to a Whataburger up in Midland a few weeks ago. Noticed their in-store ads for new hires. $16/ hour. And with the competition with oil field jobs, they are all having a hard time hiring.

Funny how the free market finds its equilibrium, eh?

Yup. And why those state mandated $15/hour minimum are beyond moronic. Business 101

You cannot post a photo on a porn forum. Do not speak of business 101

I will speak since of the 2 of us, Only I am involved in Business 101. So, STFU.

Swallowing loads at the mancamp for minimum wage is not a viable nor legal business

[DandyDon]

After this round of bad publicity, sounds like Christi might also need to look for employment elsewhere.

"A new statement from Sonic was received on March 1, 2019 from Sonics Vice President of Public Relations Christi Woodworth on the Sonic closings and claim of reduction in pay."

"No wage rates at any level decreased as a result of this transition and Carhops may continue to receive tips above their hourly wages. Additionally, with the ownership change, employees may now have their paycheck direct deposited and general managers are now eligible for a new bonus program, among other benefits."

The way I read it is that after the walkout, corporate bought the franchises back from the new owners and changed things back and made some improvements, but I could be wrong. The walkout apparently happened on the 23rd.

Effective Monday, February 25, eight SONIC Drive-Ins in the Columbus, Ohio market will be under new ownership and management. SRI Operating Company, an affiliate of the Sonic the SONIC franchisor and operator of SONIC Drive-ins across the nation, is in the process of purchasing these drive-ins from a franchisee.

Under new management, guests and the community can look forward to improved service and the famous food, beverages and treats for which SONIC is known. Employees working for the local drive-in can look forward to fun, fast-paced work on which they can build a career, if they choose. Most current employees will have the opportunity to continue to work at the drive-in under the new ownership.

The Circleville SONIC Drive-In will re-open on Monday morning under new management. We recognize that changes like this can be difficult for employees to understand and most current employees will have the opportunity to continue working at the drive-in.

We look forward to being a part of the community for decades to come and appreciate the opportunity to serve our guests every day.

[WarmBidetWater]

Sounds like corporate legal eagles got involved and nipped the situation in the bud before shit hit the fan. I still wonder if Christi has a job or, as a corporate mouth-piece, she gets a pass.

[WestTexasCrude]

My thinking on the matter. BK person hands you your food, Whataburger person will bring the order to your table, Sonic person walks it to your car- those are not tippable. It's when you sit in a cafe with the person coming by and checking on your needs, refilling your tea, etc. now that's tippable.

[Whackov]

This seems like an enormous violation of federal and possibly Ohio state law. Fastfood employees are normally not considered tipped employees, as they earn minimum wage and do not normally "customarily and regularly" receive tips from customers. I asked my ex-wife whose a HR manager with IKEA, and she just groaned and said someone's about to be hit with a nasty lawsuit. You just don't change the pay conditions of your employees like that.

I've been reading about this and corporate says it's not so. But someone else said there is a law that if a tipped employee doesn't make tips that add up to at least minimum wage the employer adds the difference to the employees check

Your second sentence is the whole crux of being a tipped employee: you have to be getting at least minimum wage, but if in your job you "customarily and regularly" receive tips, your employers must pay you at least half minimum wage to make up the difference if you don't actually receive enough tipping to make up that difference. But I read the article a little closer, and it's Sonic with their drive-up car parking slots where you're served by a waiter who brings your order out to you once it's prepared. Are those normally tipped employees or aren't they? I haven't been to a Sonic in years, so I don't know, and don't remember. Normally, if there's a line on the bill for a tip, I'll put in 10-20%, and assume the server is a tipped employee. I've sometimes been wrong about that, though. But I am enough of a mature adult to understand going out to eat often involves some server's wages and put something worthwhile on that tip line, if it's there. I'm not Mr Pink, after all.

I've never tipped at Sonic anymore than I would tip the person who hands me my food at Burger King.

Cheap bastard. I don’t tip BK but I do tip Sonic.