Stix and Stones fine complaint opens investigation

Belfast restaurant chain Stix and Stones said it was investigating allegations about tipping and payroll deduction practices.

BBC News NI spoke to a worker at the Upper Queen Street restaurant who suggested fines would be issued for, among other things, missing uniform items.

The Unite union said it had productive discussions with the restaurant on Wednesday and would “not rest until all deductions from (staff) tips have been cleared by the company.”

Stix and Stones said the proposed fine system “contradicts our policies.”

“We continue to work diligently to resolve this matter in a timely and transparent manner,” the statement continued.

“If other practices are found not to meet our standards, immediate corrective action will be taken.”

The BBC has also seen screenshots of messages between staff and has been told a collective complaint is being made to restaurant management.

From October 1, workers in Britain gained legal protection receive 100% of tips paid by customers.

However, as this is a devolved issue, it does not apply to workers in Northern Ireland.

Unite said 19 out of 30 employees complained about the practices the restaurant offered.

The employee interviewed by the BBC, who wished to remain anonymous, said the scheme was launched earlier this month and workers were told the money collected would be donated to charity.

“It can be very spontaneous, like a choice,” they said.

“Such practices cannot continue.”

BBC News NI has obtained screenshots showing details of the fine system.

It included fines of £5 for missing uniform items and a poorly set table.

There is also a potential fine of £10 for using a phone in a restaurant.

The staffer also described the lack of clarity around what is subject to a fine and what is not.

“There is no staff training to tell us what to do and what not to do, to avoid us being fined.”

Restaurant staff contacted Unite to serve a collective grievance letter on Stix and Stones.

Workers have called for the introduction of an independent tipping policy.

The union said hospitality workers in Northern Ireland should have the same rights and tipping protection as other workers in Britain.

“This case demonstrates why the same protections must be introduced without delay by the Stormont executive,” explained its general secretary Sharon Graham.

Stix and Stones also said it strictly adheres to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs guidelines on tipping and “will be happy to provide staff with any additional clarification necessary to ensure full transparency and accountability”.

He added: “Stix & Stones remains committed to providing a positive work environment based on fairness, integrity and respect. »