Michigan Chick-fil-A employee asked for a water cup. Then his own manager allegedly told him he’d have to pay for it: ‘You’re gonna have to pay’

A TikTok video posted by @russklt has drawn attention after the creator described an incident she said she witnessed while picking up an order at a Chick-fil-A. The video, which has gained 60,400 views, shows a woman with long dark hair speaking directly to the camera from inside a car as she recounts what she claimed took place.

In the TikTok video, the woman stated that a new-looking worker approached a manager and asked for a cup of water. She said the manager responded by telling the employee he would have to pay for it unless he had bought his own water. According to her account, the manager used the words, “You’re gonna have to pay for it unless you bought your own water.”

The woman explained that the employee appeared surprised and asked if he would really be charged for water. She said the manager replied, “yeah, unfortunately.” The worker then walked back without any water, she claimed. The creator added that she later bought a water for him and questioned the treatment of employees, noting the company’s financial position in her remarks.

Viewer comments point to differing employee drink policies across Chick-fil-A locations

The TikTok caption read, “since when in 2026 are we charging our workers for WATER? @Chick-fil-A im disturbed to the point where i wont return.” In the video the woman held up a Chick-fil-A bag and receipt while speaking. She described the full exchange and said she felt disturbed enough that she would not return to the restaurant. 

Viewers responding to the post offered mixed accounts of their own experiences working at Chick-fil-A. One commenter who said they had worked at a location for over a year and a half stated that employees were charged for a cup, writing, “used to work there for over year and half and yes they charge 50 cents for a cup.”

Another commenter highlighted what they saw as an uneven approach between staff and customers. They wrote, “Charge employees for a cup BUT customer can get 8 cups of ice for free.” Other employees have reported negative experiences with management, such as when a worker said a falling pan caused a concussion and vision problems, but her manager downplayed it. 

A different former employee described a more open policy at the Chick-fil-A where they had worked. They said staff could drink most items at no cost, noting, “The Chick-fil-A I worked at we could drink anything free except milkshakes , even then they usually didn’t even care about milkshakes.”

One more commenter stressed that rules can vary by restaurant. They explained that the location where they currently work provides free water and a free employee meal, writing, “It’s not a chain wide rule, each Chick-fil-A has their own set of rules. The one I work at we have free waters. And a free employee meal.”

Michigan Labor and Economic Opportunity address broader workplace protections available to employees in the state. The agency has pointed to the historical role of May Day in securing an eight-hour workday and expanding rights for workers. It states that Michigan’s workforce benefits from the right to organize, bargain collectively, and advocate for better protections.

The same resources emphasize that serving Michigan residents aligns with the agency’s mission. They describe Workplace Rights materials as a way to show the state’s commitment to the labor movement and to help working people understand their rights so they can protect them. 

In a comment, the creator identified the location as 11700 Middlebelt Rd, Livonia, MI 48150, United States. Chick-fil-A’s customer service issues extend beyond water cups, as a Colorado woman filmed herself counting a 30-count nugget order because the total didn’t match her receipt.