One of the things I enjoy about traveling is getting the chance to read local newspapers and see what constitutes news in different places. For the past two days I've been reading the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
The big kerfuffle in these parts is the decision against Starbucks in a California court in a case questioning whether shift supervisors can share in pooled tips. The court said they can't and has ordered the ubiquitous coffee chain to pay $106 million in damages to baristas. Starbucks is appealing. The story made page one two days in a row -- today's installment reports that other blended drink companies (Jamba Juice was included along with coffee shops) share the same practice.
The management employees seem to feel that if they are serving customers they are entitled to share in the tips. This all highlights the blurry line between front line staff and management that is common at most retail businesses. Companies want the line clear so that they don't have to pay overtime to one extra person but they also seem to also want the supervisors to benefit from extra cash that doesn't cost them a dime. My opinion is that managers and supervisors should keep their hands out of the tip jar. They get paid more and should view the tips as a motivational tool for the staff.
Other, more upbeat news here in Sonoma County is bud break in the vineyards. The chardonnay buds have burst right on time -- at the spring equinox -- with pinot noir fast on their heels. Zinfandel, Cabernet, and the other varietals will follow in turn. There has been a perfect run of weather for the bud break and those of us who love wine are hoping that favorable weather continues throughout the season. Variations in weather patterns have an enormous impact on the final product.
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