1. Zero Tolerance Statement
"Zero Tolerance" means that any employee who engages in any act of violence, threatens violence, or engages in intimidating behavior will be subject to immediate disciplinary action, up to and including immediate termination of employment and potential criminal prosecution.
2. Prohibited Conduct
Workplace violence is not limited to physical contact. Prohibited conduct under this policy includes, but is not limited to:
Physical Acts: Hitting, shoving, pushing, kicking, throwing objects (including food, plates, or kitchen equipment), or any physical contact intended to harm or intimidate.
Threats: Verbal or written statements that communicate an intent to inflict physical harm or damage property. "Joking" about violence is not an acceptable defense.
Intimidation: Stalking, aggressive posturing, blocking exits, or "cornering" another person.
Property Damage: Intentional damage to restaurant property, employee property, or guest property (e.g., smashing dishes in anger, kicking doors).
Customer Aggression: Engaging in a physical altercation with a guest. Note: Employees are expected to de-escalate situations and retreat to safety. Self-defense is only permitted when there is no ability to retreat.
3. Dangerous Weapons
General Ban: Wicked Cantina prohibits the possession of firearms, explosives, or unauthorized weapons on company premises, regardless of whether the individual has a concealed carry permit, to the fullest extent permitted by Florida law.
Kitchen Tools: We recognize that knives and other sharp implements are necessary tools for our kitchen staff. However, brandishing a kitchen tool in a threatening manner, "playing" with knives, or using a tool to intimidate another person is considered an act of violence and grounds for immediate termination.
4. Reporting Procedures
IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING.
Immediate Danger: If a situation is escalating or someone is in immediate physical danger, call 911 first, then alert the Manager on Duty.
Internal Reporting: Any employee who experiences or witnesses workplace violence (or a threat of violence) must report it immediately to their direct Supervisor, General Manager, or the Home Office.
Documentation: An Incident Report must be filed for every report of violence, regardless of severity.
5. Domestic Violence & Restraining Orders
We understand that domestic issues can sometimes follow employees into the workplace.
Notification: If you have obtained a restraining order or protective order against an individual, we strongly encourage you to notify Management and provide a photograph of the individual. This allows us to protect you by denying that individual entry to the restaurant and calling the police if they appear on the premises.
Confidentiality: All information regarding protective orders will be kept strictly confidential and shared only with Management on a "need-to-know" basis for security purposes.
6. Investigation & Consequences
Investigation: Wicked Cantina will promptly and thoroughly investigate all reports of violence or threats. We will maintain confidentiality to the extent possible while conducting the investigation.
Disciplinary Action: Any employee found to have violated this policy will face disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
Law Enforcement: Wicked Cantina reserves the right to involve law enforcement in any instance of workplace violence.
7. Non-Retaliation
Wicked Cantina prohibits retaliation of any kind against an employee who, in good faith, reports a violation of this policy or participates in an investigation. Retaliation is a separate disciplinary offense and will result in termination.
I have read and understand the Workplace Violence Policy.