A store in Wisconsin, USA, was left entirely staff-less after workers all quit simultaneously, citing lack of appreciation, overwork, and low pay, leading to operational disruptions and accusations of wasteful donation policies.
The Dollar General store in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, is now operating without its permanent staff after they all quit at the same time on Friday (March 8).
Former General Manager Trina Tribolet, who held the title for about a year, reportedly said the six employees (including herself) involved in the walkout had been discussing leaving “for months.”
After their shift on Friday, the crew left notes on the door saying they all quit, Spectrum News reported.
“The whole team has walked away due to a lack of appreciation, being overworked and underpaid,” the note reportedly read.
The Mineral Point Dollar General in Wisconsin faced a complete staff departure due to poor work conditions grievances
Image credits: WKOW 27 NEWS
Trina explained that she had been working every day of the week for several months because, as the manager, she was only provided with a limited number of paid hours to distribute among her staff.
The former manager said if Dollar General needed more work done but didn’t have the money to pay for it, she had to cover the shifts herself to ensure the store remained operational.
Trina admitted: “Until Friday night when we walked away, this weekend was my first time off since Christmas.”
No one came to open the store on Saturday morning (March 9). Moreover, a spokesperson from Dollar General reportedly said the store was only closed for about three hours.
On Monday (March 11), it was clear that Dollar General was operating the store with new or transplanted staff, as per Spectrum News.
Image credits: WKOW 27 NEWS
A company spokesperson said in a statement: "At Dollar General, we are committed to providing an environment where employees can grow their careers and where they feel valued and heard.
"We apologize for any inconvenience our customers experienced during the three hours the Mineral Point store was closed this past weekend.
"The store reopened at 11 a.m. on Saturday morning to serve the community."
Trina has since decided to take “a mental break” before figuring out her next steps. Meanwhile, she reportedly revealed five other former staff members lined up other jobs before leaving.
Former General Manager Trina Tribolet said six employees (including herself) had been discussing leaving “for months”
Image credits: WKOW 27 NEWS
She also said while there were many issues working there, Dollar General’s donation policy was “the last straw,” highlighting a disturbing amount of items being thrown into the trash.
The former worker said the store donated food to charitable pantries but claimed there were very specific guidelines. As a result, only a portion of donated items aided other people.
Trina said: “We’re throwing away coffee that’s not expired but it’s close.
“Or you’re throwing out a box of Lucky Charms that you know there’s a whole world of kids who would love to eat those.
“But you can’t donate them out, because you’re supposed to throw them away.
“There have been tears that have been shed.”
Image credits: WKOW 27 NEWS
Dollar General’s public relations team reportedly said that they were following non-profit Feeding America’s donation guidelines.
A company spokesperson said in a statement: "Additionally, we are proud to serve local Wisconsin communities with donations through our Feeding America partnership at 21 stores across the state.
"The Mineral Point Dollar General store has donated nearly 7,500 pounds of food to local food banks such as Second Harvest Food Bank of Southern Wisconsin over the past twelve months.
"Food safety is a top priority for Dollar General and Feeding America members, therefore, DG stores are required to follow Feeding America donation policies."
Feeding America’s corporate donation guidelines state that “food approaching expiration” is welcome.
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Additionally, its website lists canned goods as “great donations,” which Trina claimed were disposed of at Dollar General.
Trina also mentioned that Dollar General had precise guidelines regarding donation items, usually encompassing perishable goods, like fruit and dairy, from refrigeration units, but they frequently excluded non-perishable items, such as boxed cereals or canned macaroni and cheese.
She said: “It’s sickening, and it’s saddening, especially for someone that has morals.
“If you’ve ever been at the bottom and never had anything, you know what it feels like to see items get thrown away.
“That could have gone to somebody that needed them.”
The ex-team members are now reportedly embarking on new beginnings, with Trina expressing nostalgia for their customers.
She said: “A lot of our regulars came in there every day.
“It's hard on all of us to not be able to see them every day because they brighten your day.”
"These companies better wake up," a reader warned
