Stella’s fires vice-president of operations in wake of workplace harassment allegations

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This article was published 05/12/2018 (2115 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Stella’s Cafe and Bakery has fired its vice-president of operations after long-standing and widespread workplace harassment allegations against the popular local restaurant chain surfaced on social media last month.

The decision to terminate Grant Anderson’s employment was announced on Stella’s social media accounts Wednesday night in a message signed by the owners.

“As we work through this process, we want to be transparent and keep our community in the loop as developments occur,” reads the statement.

“The information uncovered through the review process supports the decision to release Grant Anderson from employment at Stella’s Cafe and Bakery.”

Anderson and regional manager Brad Burrows were placed on an indefinite leave of absence in the wake of the company coming under fire last month.

In November, an Instagram account called “Not My Stella’s” began sharing stories from current and past employees detailing long-standing sexual harassment, discrimination, bullying and abuse of staff. They also painted a picture of a workplace culture where staff were discouraged — if not reprimanded — for coming forward with concerns.

In the wake of widespread media coverage and public condemnation, Stella’s hired People First, an outside human resources company, to review its policies and procedures as well as conduct an investigation into the complaints.

“The review is not yet complete and we are continuing to implement permanent, positive change that we are confident will ensure Stella’s is a respectful, safe, supportive and healthy workplace,” said the statement issued Wednesday night.

The group of current and former employees behind the “Not My Stella’s” Instagram account has called for the firing of both Anderson and Burrows. In response to Anderson’s firing, the creators of the account posted that they welcomed Stella’s decision.

“We would like to say thank you to all of the brave individuals who came forward and shared their stories. Grant is being held accountable because of you. Further, we are grateful to Stella’s for listening and beginning to meet our demands,” the post reads.

“We hope you will keep this in mind and lend them your patronage through this time, as a gesture of good faith that they will continue to make the changes they need to make.”

A request for comment from the owners was declined through their public relations firm.

ryan.thorpe@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @rk_thorpe