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2.17 Zero-Tolerance Violation Policy

Policy Statement

THE COMPANY maintains a Zero-Tolerance Standard for certain behaviors and violations that pose serious risks to safety, security, integrity, guest service, legal compliance, and the reputation of the SUBWAY® brand.
Zero tolerance means that certain conduct is so severe, dangerous, dishonest, or harmful that it may result in immediate termination, removal from the premises, or other corrective action permitted by law, with or without prior warning, following a prompt and fair review of the facts.

This Policy applies to all Team Members, Managers, temporary workers, contractors, and any individual working on THE COMPANY premises.

 

Definition of Zero-Tolerance Violations

A Zero-Tolerance Violation is any behavior that:

  • endangers people or property;
  • involves dishonesty, theft, or fraud;
  • violates major safety or food-safety standards;
  • threatens the security of the restaurant;
  • jeopardizes guest trust or SUBWAY® brand standards;
  • is unlawful; or
  • violates a core policy in this Handbook deemed non-negotiable for safety or legal reasons.

The following categories constitute Zero-Tolerance Violations. This list is comprehensive but not exhaustive, and similar conduct of equal severity will also be treated as zero-tolerance.

 

⚠️ Categories of Zero-Tolerance Violations

Violence, Threats & Safety Endangerment

  • Physical violence or attempted violence
  • Threats, intimidation, or aggressive behavior
  • Fighting or provoking fights
  • Possession of weapons on Company property (except as legally protected and stored properly)
  • Tampering with security equipment or life-safety systems
  • Reckless or intentionally unsafe behavior

 

Theft, Fraud & Dishonesty

  • Theft of cash, food, beverages, equipment, coupons, or supplies
  • Falsifying timecards, documents, or records
  • Fraudulent refunds, voids, or discounts
  • Taking food without payment or authorization
  • Under-ringing or giving away unauthorized free items
  • Signature forgery or misrepresentation
  • Dishonesty during investigations

 

Harassment, Discrimination & Retaliation

  • Sexual harassment
  • Discriminatory conduct based on protected characteristics
  • Retaliation against anyone who reports a concern
  • Severe or repeated harassment or bullying
  • Viewing, sharing, or displaying sexually explicit or hateful content

Violations of the Anti-Harassment, Non-Discrimination & Retaliation Policy may result in immediate termination when confirmed.

 

Major Food Safety Violations

(Especially critical under SUBWAY® and Georgia Health Department standards)

  • Intentional contamination or tampering with food
  • Cross-contamination or unsafe food handling that puts guests at risk
  • Refusal to follow required handwashing practices
  • Working while knowingly ill with symptoms that restrict food handling
  • Ignoring temperature standards, improper hold times, or unsafe prep
  • Refusal to comply with SSDC/Ecolab chemical safety rules

 

Drug & Alcohol Violations

  • Being under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or controlled substances while working
  • Possession, sale, or distribution of illegal drugs or alcohol on Company property
  • Misuse of prescription drugs affecting job performance or safety

 

Security & Key-Holder Misconduct

  • Sharing or mishandling keys, alarm codes, or safe combinations
  • Leaving the building unsecured
  • Unauthorized use of security cameras or footage
  • Allowing unauthorized individuals into non-public areas
  • Failure to report lost keys or compromised security access
  • Negligence leading to financial or security loss

 

Serious Policy Violations

  • Wage theft (clocking in/out improperly, falsifying time)
  • Intentionally destroying THE COMPANY property
  • Sabotaging equipment or operations
  • Tampering with other team members’ property
  • Unauthorized disclosure of confidential or proprietary information
  • Recording inside the workplace without authorization
  • Posting internal issues or confidential material online

 

Criminal Activity

  • Any illegal activity on THE COMPANY property
  • Any off-duty criminal conduct that affects job performance, safety, or Company reputation
  • Failure to cooperate with law enforcement when legally required

 

Investigation Requirement

Although zero-tolerance violations can lead to immediate termination, THE COMPANY will conduct a prompt, fair, and impartial review of available facts before taking final action, consistent with Company policy and applicable law.

This investigation may include:

  • Review of witness statements
  • Security footage
  • POS logs or system records
  • Interviews with involved parties
  • Review of documents or digital evidence

Zero-tolerance does not mean “automatic termination without facts.”
It means the violation is serious enough that, once confirmed, termination is a likely outcome.

 

Reporting Zero-Tolerance Conduct

Team Members must immediately report any suspected zero-tolerance violation using:

  • The Complaint/Incident Reporting Form
  • Direct reporting to a Manager, Restaurant Manager, or Director of Operations
  • Emergency services or 911 when safety is immediately threatened

Failure to report a serious violation may itself result in corrective action.

 

Non-Retaliation

THE COMPANY strictly prohibits retaliation against anyone who:

  • Reports a zero-tolerance violation
  • Participates in an investigation
  • Raises safety, security, or harassment concerns
  • Requests accommodations or protected leave

Retaliation is itself a zero-tolerance offense.

 

Corrective Action

Confirmed zero-tolerance violations may result in:

  • Immediate termination
  • Removal of access
  • Suspension pending investigation
  • Required retraining (in limited cases)
  • Legal action when appropriate
  • Involvement of law enforcement

Actions may vary based on the nature and severity of the violation, evidence available, legal requirements, and safety considerations.

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