I am writing this because a line has been crossed, and I can no longer remain silent about the…read moreextreme dismay, disappointment, unfairness, and blatant disrespect I experienced during my time working at Wendy's. No one should ever have to go to work feeling targeted for who they are, yet that is exactly what happened to both me and my girlfriend. We were systematically subjected to discrimination based on our race and our sexual orientation.
Everyone is entitled to their own personal beliefs and opinions. However, it becomes a massive problem the moment you use those beliefs to mistreat, degrade, and target another human being. We experienced this firsthand when a manager verbally admitted to not believing that different colors or sexes should mix. From that point on, our workplace became an incredibly toxic, hostile, and negative environment.
What followed felt like a textbook case of "quiet firing." The daily reality of working there consisted of constant whispers, petty gossip, and completely baseless accusations of stealing jackets thrown at both of us, it became unsettling and depressing to even have to go to work. It felt as though we were expected to be completely flawless, while others were allowed to just be human. Did we have days where we were a few minutes late? Yes, like anyone else. Did we have days we requested off for kids birthdays, etc? Yes. But we always practiced open, honest communication about it. Yet, it reached a point where absolutely every little thing we did was scrutinized and turned into a problem.
The hostility was undeniable. Following an argument that stemmed directly from how poorly we were being treated, a manager looked at us the absolute second we walked through the door and stated how we weren't "fit to be managers" and then threatened: "You won't be here much longer. We'll see who still has a job after this. I'll be the last one standing." Continuously using the term "You people." as well. They threatened to go to the General Manager, completely twisting the narrative to cover their own actions. I want to be entirely clear: I have the proof, the messages, and the phone calls to my GM documenting exactly how we were treated during this time, he said he would look into it, take care of it and never did.
While the GM initially pretended to be on our side, it quickly became obvious that they were actively participating in the gossip behind our backs, including with his daughter who is also a manager with the other actors in this situation.
The breaking point came during a recent incident where my girlfriend overslept and missed a shift--something that never happens. Despite my own strong work ethic, the GM used this to claim that I, too, was "not dependable," completely ignoring my track record and stated he was going to have my shifts covered. From that moment on, management stopped treating us as two separate individuals and began grouping us together as one. They punished both of us, ultimately firing us for no legitimate reason, acting on an opportunity they had clearly been waiting for.
When we asked for corporate's phone number to report this blatant injustice, local management refused to give it to us numerous times. In a bizarre turn of events, they claimed to withdraw the termination and told us we could return to work last minute (giving us no
preparation, time or warning to actually make it there reasonably)--then he completely blocked us and wiped us from the schedule entirely and did not communicate that at all. We got said information from a 3rd party when we asked for a picture of the schedule to know the next time we worked. I already know they'll try to excuse such behavior and reasons due to me letting them know I'd be a little late to work due to our son having a breakout in hives and not responding normally and having to sit in the ER for him to be seen (which I also have records and proof of).
I have never publicly spoken out about a former employer like this before, it's not at all simply about being terminated that's part of life but with NO good reason and all the events that transpired before it has reached a point where I feel a deep responsibility to speak up. This specific establishment does not deserve your hard-earned money. They do not care about their employees, and frankly, they do not care about their customers either. They're rude. And the lack of basic standards is appalling--employees regularly make sandwiches without wearing gloves or even washing their hands immediately after a cigarette break. The list of health, safety, and ethical violations goes on for quite a while and it will make your stomach turn (this I'm sure I can also get several people to back me on) but I will end it here. There's so much more that happened during my disturbing time at Wendy's.
Please, do not give this establishment your business, your time, or your money. This is especially true if you are a minority or a member of the LGBTQ+ community.