The Dollar General store in Wisconsin found itself at the center of attention when its entire staff resigned, citing issues of underpayment and overwork. On March 9, six employees, including manager Trina Tribolet, failed to report for duty at the Mineral Point store, instead leaving a handcrafted sign announcing their collective resignation.
Tribolet revealed that she had been toiling seven days a week for an extended period, primarily because she, as the manager, was restricted in the number of paid hours she could allocate to her team. Her first respite from work since Christmas occurred only over the preceding weekend. The strain of prolonged overwork and underappreciation had reached a tipping point for the disheartened employees.
One sign prominently displayed at the storefront boldly declared “We quit!” while another elucidated the team’s grievances, highlighting a lack of appreciation, excessive workloads, and inadequate compensation as the driving forces behind their mass exodus.
The final straw for Tribolet and her colleagues was Dollar General’s stringent food donation policy, which mandated the disposal of items nearing their expiration date or those no longer stocked by the store. Despite attempts to circumvent the policy by labeling items as damaged for donation, management intervened, compelling the team to cease their efforts, ultimately leading to their resignation.
In response to the walkout, Dollar General acknowledged the temporary closure of the store for three hours on March 9 due to staffing shortages, with new personnel subsequently hired to fill the vacuum left by the departing employees. The company defended its practices, citing its partnership with Feeding America and its commitment to food safety as top priorities. Over the past year, the Mineral Point store alone had donated nearly 7,500 pounds of food to local food banks.
Tribolet, currently on a mental health break, disclosed that her former colleagues had already secured alternative employment opportunities. However, their departure underscores broader issues within the retail sector, particularly concerning wage disparities. According to the Economic Policy Institute’s Company Wage Tracker, a staggering 92 percent of Dollar General employees earn less than $15 per hour, with a significant portion receiving wages between $10-12 per hour.
The events at the Mineral Point Dollar General store serve as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by frontline workers in navigating issues of fair compensation, workplace conditions, and corporate policies. As discussions surrounding labor rights and wage equality continue to gain momentum, the actions of Tribolet and her team highlight the need for systemic reforms to ensure the dignity and well-being of all employees.
