A Target worker says they were shocked when they were suddenly fired for “theft” on the job due to a misunderstanding at the coffee machine.
In a video posted on Aug. 7 with over 2.1 million views, TikToker Briar (@clovrb0ne) stands outside Target, wearing a backpack.
“I just got fired from Target for theft. Do you know what I stole?” they say as their voice shakes. “Coffee.”
Why was the Target worker fired for drinking coffee?
Briar explains that their co-worker told them that coffee was free for employees, so they made a cup or two of coffee at the Starbucks inside Target every shift.
“They brought me into an office and said, ‘We cannot have you continue to work here because you’re stealing,’” they recount. “What? I didn’t [expletive] know!”
The TikToker laments that this was their first job in over a year and is devastated to lose it over “coffee.” They note that the coffee totalled around $30.
The caption reads, “Don’t trust your coworkers fr.”
In a series of comments, Briar elaborates on the confrontation with management, noting that the district manager attended the meeting. They claim they were “forced” to sign a paper stating that they did steal coffee.
“How about paying me less than minimum wage? How about locking me in a room for hours and forcing me to write a confession on a piece of paper and signing it, even when I asked for a lawyer??????” they write.
In response, some viewers recommend that Briar reach out to an employment lawyer. However, the TikToker did not share their plans moving forward.
What did viewers think of the misunderstanding?
In the comments, viewers say Briar’s co-worker was to blame for the misunderstanding and question whether they told management.
“PLEASE tell me you snitched on that coworker,” one writes.
“Yeah, I’m sorry, babe but that’s why you shouldn’t just listen to your coworkers,” another says.
Others, including former Target workers, note that it was strange for management to fire Briar without warning.
“They did that no warning? like at least a ‘hey don’t do that anymore’ first? That sounds odd for getting you instantly fired,” a commenter asks.
“I hate corporate greed. million dollar business, pay employees [expletive], and cant even have the decency to give your employees free coffee. why do ppl still shop there,” another remarks.
“Why didn’t they just give u a write up like what the heck,” a third adds.
“Noo :( i was a team lead for Target Asset Protection, and we should NOT fire people over anything consumable like food or drinks… mainly because for the benefit of the doubt that they actually need it:( i’m sorry that happened and I hope you spoke up,” a fourth says.
In a TikTok story post later the same day, Briar shares that they got an interview and landed a new job.
@clovrb0ne dont trust your coworkers fr #evil #target #xyzbca #fypage #fypシ ♬ original sound – Briar
The Mary Sue reached out to Briar and Target for further comment.
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