86 Toxic Workplaces
“It’s time to 86 abuse in the kitchen.”
Resources, tools, and support for hospitality workers fighting toxic environments.
You deserve to work in a place where you’re respected, not abused. PERIOD. If you’re in the food and beverage industry and being harassed, bullied, screamed at, manipulated, or put in unsafe situations—you’re not alone. And you don’t have to take it quietly anymore.
86 Toxic Workplaces
Toolkit - Quick Links
1. Know Your Rights
2. Document Everything
3. Speak Up (Safely)
4. Take Action
5. Expose the Truth
6. Find Support
Every hospitality worker deserves a safe, respectful workplace. Here’s what the law says about your rights on the job.
• Federal protections:
• Anti-discrimination laws (EEOC)
• OSHA safety standards
• FLSA wage laws
• Texas (or your state) rights
• Meal breaks, retaliation laws, tip laws, etc.
• Downloadable Guide: Know Your Rights PDF
• Link: State-by-state worker rights map
When something feels wrong, start collecting evidence. It could protect you—or help you take action later.
• Tips for documenting abuse
• Logging incidents
• Saving texts, emails, and DMs
• Recording laws by state
• Is it legal to record a conversation?
• Download: Incident Log Template
• Tool: “Digital Evidence Checklist”
Sometimes HR helps. Sometimes they don’t. Here’s how to speak up without putting yourself at risk.
• When and how to report internally
• What to say (sample letters & emails)
• What to expect if you speak up
• When to talk to a lawyer
If your complaints go ignored—or you’ve been harassed, retaliated against, or fired—you can take legal action.
• How to file an EEOC complaint
• How to file with the Texas Workforce Commission
(or other state agency)
• Workers’ Comp for mental/emotional distress or injury
Links:
• File online with EEOC
• Download: Step-by-step filing guide
Sometimes the system fails. The press doesn’t.
• How to leak abuse stories anonymously
• Recording tools
• Metadata-stripping tips
• Media outlets that protect whistleblowers
• ProPublica, The Intercept, etc.
• Link: Secure whistleblower platforms
• Contact Us: Want us to help you go public?
You’re not alone. The hospitality industry is tough—but you’ve got backup.
• Mental health help
• National hotline (988)
• Local free clinics (map or link)
• Substance use support
• NA/AA meetings near you (map)
• Legal support
• Free or low-cost legal aid
• Worker networks/unions
• ROC United, One Fair Wage, Fight for $15, etc.
Need help right now?
Contact us confidentially.
This movement was born from personal experience — after getting pushed out of a job post-heart attack and accused of theft, I knew something had to change. And we’re making that change now.
"We’ve Been There.
We’ve Had Enough."
Disclaimer: We are not lawyers or a law firm. We offer guidance and resources based on lived experience and public information. For legal advice, we’ll connect you with licensed professionals.