A recent storm in a “staff drinks only” coke cup seems to have taken on a life of it’s own in little old NZ. The management of a Dunedin Subway store sacked a staff member for sharing a drink with an upset friend. Oh and they also called the police over the “theft” of a $2 drink… I think calling their response heavy handed is putting it pretty mildly.

Now I appreciate that Subway stores are independently owned businesses and that the Subway franchise owner, or brand believe they have little control over how the franchisees run their shops.

“As a franchisor, the Subway chain provides guidance in menu and operational matters. It is not involved in matters between the franchisee and staff. Subway restaurant staff are employees of individual franchisees and not of the Subway chain.” From a Subway press release.

There really is no excuse for such shoddy labour relations - the 19th century has gone and Subway will have the means at their disposal to bring a wayward franchise into line. I suspect this story may cause some embarrassment globally for the brand and they must have some sort of “don’t bring the brand into disrepute” clause in their 3 ring binder somewhere.

Interest in NZ is pretty high with multiple mainstream news outlets covering the story here, here and here. A quick poll shows a pretty high level of support for the sacked worker. Political parties and unions have gotten in on the act too, launching an appeal to help. The Aussies have picked up the story and as I write this I see the global media has picked it up (Wikipedia, Sydney Morning Herald so far).

Jeremy over at the Aucklander at Large blog has started a boycott subway campaign and I for one will be supporting it (kind of easy as I hardly ever eat there any more anyhoo) . Bloggers from all over the political landscape have joined in - interesting.

“Over 30 bloggers and many blog readers from all corners of the political spectrum have signed a petition to boycott Subway stores nationwide, indicating that support for Jackie Lang’s fight against Subway is widespread.”

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