silenthorns's journey

I was fired today from my position as a barista at a local coffee shop in Texas after raising concerns about illegal tip pooling practices. I started working there about a month ago and had been training in the kitchen for the past three weeks. During my time, I noticed that while all the tips were being pooled and shared among the baristas, I was never paid out any tips despite working independently. The management claimed I wasn’t trained enough, even though I was performing all the duties required of me. After discussing my concerns about the unfairness of the tip distribution with my manager, I received a call from the owner who insisted that their practices were legal. Today, during my first shift without being shadowed, I asked a manager if I could finally participate in the tip pool since I was working independently. To my surprise, she said no, and that it was up to the owner and her to decide when I could receive tips. Feeling frustrated, I expressed my confusion about why I couldn’t keep any of the tips we all earned. About an hour before my shift ended, I was called into the office and informed by the owner and two managers that I was being fired for what they described as "Unprofessional Body Language, Tardy, and unprofessional behavior towards management regarding the tip-pool operation." I was late by just six minutes today, which was my first instance of tardiness. Now, I'm left questioning whether I overreacted or if I was retaliated against for standing up for my rights as a worker. It feels unjust, and I'm considering my options moving forward.