Maintaining the decorum of the team and ensuring their utmost punctuality isn't an easy task for a restaurateur. An unknown Spanish restaurant attempts it by implementing a fine system, but the internet is in an uproar, questioning: Should Michelin verify proper staff management before awarding stars?
The news
It's already an issue in Spain: the restaurant's identity is undisclosed, but it holds a Michelin star and has adopted aggressive policies to maintain order within the team. Revealed by the Twitter account (today X) @soy camarero, a cyclone-printed sheet is causing a scandal, as reported by LaVanguardia. It covers the equal distribution of tips among all staff and particularly a set of fines for specific violations: punctuality (arrival time at the restaurant and start of work), attire (no torn, dirty, poorly ironed clothing), personal cleanliness (specifically, shaving or beard grooming).
For instance, being 5 minutes late incurs a €10 fine, 10 minutes is €20, and 15 minutes or more is €50, practically a whole day's wage. Furthermore, those who fail to show up without a medical certificate won't receive tips and will lose a day of vacation, without exceptions. According to the chefs, maîtres, and management, this is the only way to ensure the excellence that has already earned the establishment a MICHELIN star. But more strict rules will follow concerning material breakage and waste of raw ingredients.
User comments didn't take long to pour in: a flurry of remarks that raised the issue of the national contract and workers' statute, which prohibits imposing fines or unilaterally deducting vacation days, hoping that labor inspectors will soon be involved. There were also those who wondered if the extra minutes of overtime at the end of the shift will be calculated with the same rigor. Among the over six hundred reviewers, there were also those who complained about the growing bad behavior, often at the expense of colleagues, in an industry facing a crisis.
The account's final hope is that before awarding a Michelin star, the guide will verify not only the quality of the offerings but also the fairness of the establishment in its dealings with the staff. "This would be a true star: knowing you'll eat well and being sure the team is happy and not exploited."
Cover photo: @Jack F., Getty Images
