FLIK Director responds to anonymous employee letter
by Denise Sombat
Tuesday January 22, 2008
An Open Letter to the Sarah Lawrence Community;
In the recent edition of the Phoenix on November 29th, 2007, there was an article entitled “FLIK Injustices Suffered”. At FLIK we truly value our associates and take pride in providing fair and equitable treatment to all. I would like to take the time to state some facts concerning some of the statements made in this article and dispel some misconceptions that may have been created.
Statement: “FLIK requires associates to purchase their FLIK-embroidered shirts.”
Fact: Uniform shirts are purchased from an outside company by FLIK for all FLIK associates. Long time associates in need of new shirts have replacements ordered and paid for by the company. We also have an outside laundry company, paid for by FLIK which comes in weekly to pick up soiled uniform shirts, pants and chef coats and replace them with clean articles.
Statement: “No consistent system for who receives a raise and when, or how much they receive.”
Fact: Performance appraisals and merit increases are completed annually for all returning associates. Based upon their rating in their appraisal, length of service, possible job changes or promotions, increases are given based upon a merit matrix which is consistently used for all associates. All written performance reviews are based upon overall performance in relation to job responsibilities and takes into account conduct, attitude, record of attendance and tardiness.
Statement: “I do not feel like I could bring these issues up with Management for fear of being fired.”
Fact: In the handbook (printed in both English and Spanish) given to all associates, it informs all associates that Compass (FLIK’S parent company) has an open communication policy which states,
From time to time, “problems” may come up in the workplace. At Compass Group, we are dedicated to solving them. No matter what the issue may be, Compass Group believes that every associate has the right to voice any of their concerns. Although we cannot promise that every problem will be solved to everyone’s satisfaction all the time, the Company does promise that it will listen and seek to resolve any issues in as fair a way as possible. The Company’s “Be Aware” Hotline allows associates an opportunity to voice their concerns in as private and confidential a manner as possible. By making this Hotline available to all associates, the Company is demonstrating its commitment to complying with and enforcing its policies and procedures while promoting positive working environments for associates to voice their concerns. This number as well as management & supervisor phone numbers are given and posted for all associates.
Statement: “The Health insurance they provide us with is a fraud”.
Fact: Associates receive a yearly Compass Group Benefits’ Program which outlines various benefit choices. Compass Group offers comprehensive group insurance benefits to our full-time associates and part-time associates. It is printed in English and Spanish and associates can participate in open enrollment once each year. Additionally, associates may change their benefits plan any time they have certain events take place such as marriage, birth of a child so they can obtain benefits for their families.
Statement: “While we receive paid vacation unless we do not specifically ask to be paid, FLIK, does not give us our wages at all.”
Fact: Associates are asked to schedule their vacation time with their Manager and encouraged to take it during school vacations and shut down periods. For the academic year, vacation time is accrued based on years of service. Any vacation time not taken by the end of the academic year is paid out to each associate.
Statement: “When things are left out from the night before, the day workers are ordered to clean up. No one is held at fault”.
Fact: All associates are held accountable and responsible for completing their work assignments in a timely manner. If someone from any shift fails to complete his/her assignments, the issues of concern are addressed with the individual by the appropriate supervisor or manager. FLIK would then expect that the issue be resolved in time for the next meal service.
Thank you for the opportunity to clarify these points.
Best Regards,
Denise Sombat
FLIK Director of Dining Services
