A Latin American-style chain which has just opened a restaurant in Coventry has defended its policy on staff tips after an online camapaign.
Over 79,000 UK residents have signed a petition urging Las Iguanas to change their tipping policy.
Campaign group 38 Degrees, who started the petition online, claims the firm is making "profits" by exploiting workers - but the restaurant chain has released a statement refuting the claims today.
Sam Hughes, a 38 Degrees member who started the petition, wrote: "I've eaten at Las Iguanas countless times and it's disgusted me to know that money I left to the waiters and waitresses has been handed over to the company.
"I started the petition because I know people power can and will change things."
“If they want us to keep coming to Las Iguanas, they need to make sure 100 per cent of tips go to the staff.”
It emerged recently that the chain - which recently opened this week at Cathedral Lanes Shopping Centre restaurant quarter in Broadgate - makes employees pay 3 per cent of their sales at the end of a shift - all from tips.
But the company says that only happens when tips cover the amount and part of the cash is redistributed to other staff who don't get tips.
Las Iguanas have responded to the petition, saying: "Our tipping policy has been in place for 20 years, and means customers’ gratuities are shared among the whole restaurant team, so everyone is rewarded.
"The entire team at the restaurant provides the guest experience, and we believe they should share any rewards.
"How we distribute and share tips is something staff are made fully aware of before they join our team."
Thieving bastards!
