Because I'm seriously wondering. Particularly after reading some of the posts on here; it seems like all they do is collect your money. Like an insurance policy that gives its best milleage if you NEVER make a claim and ALWAYS pay your premiums.
'The Dude'? I'd especially like to hear from you on this one. You claim to be management---let's hear your voice.
Because I'm seriously wondering. Particularly after reading some of the posts on here; it seems like all they do is collect your money. Like an insurance policy that gives its best milleage if you NEVER make a claim and ALWAYS pay your premiums.
'The Dude'? I'd especially like to hear from you on this one. You claim to be management---let's hear your voice.
Let's hear all the hourlies voices, too!
I can't speak for the full time employees because I am not familiar with their insurance plan (full time and part time are separate). The part time, however, isn't much. It would be beneficial if something serious happened such as being in a serious car accident or something to that effect.
The biggest benefit I see is union representation, but that ultimately comes down to who your union rep is. Our store recently has started a list of employees who are struggling with ELMS scores on the cash register and has been giving them letters. If the cashiers score dips lower than what they had the previous week, they will be written up. If you do it three more times, you are out the door. I showed this letter to our union rep who was in yesterday and he told me to make a copy of it and if anybody was written up to file a grievance on it immediately.
I've never had to use the union where I work, because anything I have been written up for I have clearly been in the wrong over (messing up on WIC, handing back a check). What Kroger has been trying to push lately, especially with our contract being up in October, I believe I am going to have to go that route, because some of this stuff is in violation of our contract.
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"The postings on this site are my own and don't necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of The Kroger Co. family of stores."
I can't speak for the full time employees because I am not familiar with their insurance plan (full time and part time are separate). The part time, however, isn't much. It would be beneficial if something serious happened such as being in a serious car accident or something to that effect.
The biggest benefit I see is union representation, but that ultimately comes down to who your union rep is. Our store recently has started a list of employees who are struggling with ELMS scores on the cash register and has been giving them letters. If the cashiers score dips lower than what they had the previous week, they will be written up. If you do it three more times, you are out the door. I showed this letter to our union rep who was in yesterday and he told me to make a copy of it and if anybody was written up to file a grievance on it immediately.
I've never had to use the union where I work, because anything I have been written up for I have clearly been in the wrong over (messing up on WIC, handing back a check). What Kroger has been trying to push lately, especially with our contract being up in October, I believe I am going to have to go that route, because some of this stuff is in violation of our contract.
They tried to take some of the slower cashiers and make them baggers but a grievance was filed and that stopped that in it's tracks!
They also tried to make the KIDS that go to school and throw everything in their cars (because they usually leave school and come straight to work) pay for name badges. They can't do that either. They can't write you up if your elms are low. Period. They CAN coach and guide you on how to improve though. That doesn't happen alot in our store though. What a shame.
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Quote from the Boss: I didn't say it was your fault. I said I was going to blame it on you.
Just like team stocking guide. They can't force a case count on you. So why waste all this time telling you how many seconds you have got too put a case of green beans compared to a bag of dog food.
Kroger wastes money timing someone putting cases. Yet everyone one is different. Some people are fast or slower. Some people have big hands.
I am a manager paid by the hour - or in other words - I manage a department & am not a Co-manager who would be salaried. So I too fall under the Union umbrella. I am a member of UFCW 75. I honestly have very little fondness and loyalty to the Union. I have worked other retail jobs w/o having the presence of a union. During those times I never wished to be involved in one plus I signed an agreement not to join one. It is comonly understood in other grocery chains that if an attempt is made to start a Union either they will close the place down or just terminate everybody and start over (a lock-out). I worked for a grocery store where several employees were trying to stir up trouble by getting a Union going and I was definately against it. And even when first starting with Kroger I was somewhat perturbed at having to pay dues to something I just didn't believe in and get. Then I seen several employees get suspended by Kroger then reinstated with backpay! WTF I thought. Then I have been called into the 'doghouse' for several bull**** things and after several of these occurances I realized I have protection. So i think it is a double edge sword. I see worthless people cowering behind the union to cling onto their job. I get it. I even think Kroger upper mngt somewhat becomes a pussy ass company b/c they do not handle personnel issues with any balls. At times it ticks me off to see people get away with crap when if I could manage the way I have been trained to throughout my career they would be put in their place pretty damn quick. I personally think I can handle my own problems when upper management wants to yell at me. i also know i am a damn good employee although not perfect and somewhat a rebelrouser. But I try to stay w/in the top 10% (at least thru my eyes). And if there ever comes a time when Kroger doesn't want my services then I think I will quite simply leave. After all, who wants to work somewhere where you are not wanted? So yea - I kinda understand the purpose of a Union. Who wants the big CORPORATE BOOGIEMAN intimidating little ol' sally employee. But I do think it carries an can-o-stink around it too.
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I am no longer part of the oppressed, evil workforce of Kroger! Can you say "Hallelujah"
I am a manager paid by the hour - or in other words - I manage a department & am not a Co-manager who would be salaried. So I too fall under the Union umbrella. I am a member of UFCW 75. I honestly have very little fondness and loyalty to the Union. I have worked other retail jobs w/o having the presence of a union. During those times I never wished to be involved in one plus I signed an agreement not to join one. It is comonly understood in other grocery chains that if an attempt is made to start a Union either they will close the place down or just terminate everybody and start over (a lock-out). I worked for a grocery store where several employees were trying to stir up trouble by getting a Union going and I was definately against it. And even when first starting with Kroger I was somewhat perturbed at having to pay dues to something I just didn't believe in and get. Then I seen several employees get suspended by Kroger then reinstated with backpay! WTF I thought. Then I have been called into the 'doghouse' for several bull**** things and after several of these occurances I realized I have protection. So i think it is a double edge sword. I see worthless people cowering behind the union to cling onto their job. I get it. I even think Kroger upper mngt somewhat becomes a pussy ass company b/c they do not handle personnel issues with any balls. At times it ticks me off to see people get away with crap when if I could manage the way I have been trained to throughout my career they would be put in their place pretty damn quick. I personally think I can handle my own problems when upper management wants to yell at me. i also know i am a damn good employee although not perfect and somewhat a rebelrouser. But I try to stay w/in the top 10% (at least thru my eyes). And if there ever comes a time when Kroger doesn't want my services then I think I will quite simply leave. After all, who wants to work somewhere where you are not wanted? So yea - I kinda understand the purpose of a Union. Who wants the big CORPORATE BOOGIEMAN intimidating little ol' sally employee. But I do think it carries an can-o-stink around it too.
Dude, I've never heard the company v union situation summed up so completely or neatly....Thank you.
I am a manager paid by the hour - or in other words - I manage a department & am not a Co-manager who would be salaried. So I too fall under the Union umbrella. I am a member of UFCW 75. I honestly have very little fondness and loyalty to the Union. I have worked other retail jobs w/o having the presence of a union. During those times I never wished to be involved in one plus I signed an agreement not to join one. It is comonly understood in other grocery chains that if an attempt is made to start a Union either they will close the place down or just terminate everybody and start over (a lock-out). I worked for a grocery store where several employees were trying to stir up trouble by getting a Union going and I was definately against it. And even when first starting with Kroger I was somewhat perturbed at having to pay dues to something I just didn't believe in and get. Then I seen several employees get suspended by Kroger then reinstated with backpay! WTF I thought. Then I have been called into the 'doghouse' for several bull**** things and after several of these occurances I realized I have protection. So i think it is a double edge sword. I see worthless people cowering behind the union to cling onto their job. I get it. I even think Kroger upper mngt somewhat becomes a pussy ass company b/c they do not handle personnel issues with any balls. At times it ticks me off to see people get away with crap when if I could manage the way I have been trained to throughout my career they would be put in their place pretty damn quick. I personally think I can handle my own problems when upper management wants to yell at me. i also know i am a damn good employee although not perfect and somewhat a rebelrouser. But I try to stay w/in the top 10% (at least thru my eyes). And if there ever comes a time when Kroger doesn't want my services then I think I will quite simply leave. After all, who wants to work somewhere where you are not wanted? So yea - I kinda understand the purpose of a Union. Who wants the big CORPORATE BOOGIEMAN intimidating little ol' sally employee. But I do think it carries an can-o-stink around it too.
Oh, you're a department head. You're not management and if that's what they are calling you, you're being lied to. I would like to point something out though. You will thank your lucky stars for the union if you're ever accused of doing something you did not do and management tries to push you out. So what if they don't want you there? It's your bread and butter. It's what your kids rely on every single day and I don't know about where you come from, but around these parts, there aren't jobs I can just shashay into with the pay I'm making at Kroger. With or without experiance. If you don't think it won't ever happen to you then you're as blind as you are stupid. I see it daily. The little cliques who try to gather "proof" on people they don't like for whatever reason. A "customer complaint" that carries no ground. Like time and date of occurance. If you ARE a reblerouser, then it's only a matter of time before they make their way around to you. So good luck department head.
Anonymous wrote:.............. So what if they don't want you there? It's your bread and butter. It's what your kids rely on every single day and I don't know about where you come from, but around these parts, there aren't jobs I can just shashay into with the pay I'm making at Kroger. With or without experiance. ........
I agree with Drew if Kroger ever wants me out I will go without a fight. Why? I'm a kick ass employee. I'm a benefit to any company I CHOOSE to work for. Jobs are hard to find, but all I need to do is get in the door. You know? I'll work a few weeks for free, if I do good work you will then have to pay me. I'm willing to go that extra mile, I don't need to hide behind a union.
For the record, it's not Kroger's Union.. it's YOUR Union, you make it what it is. If you pay dues it's your union.
-- Edited by Em on Friday 18th of March 2011 10:42:48 PM
Anonymous wrote:.............. So what if they don't want you there? It's your bread and butter. It's what your kids rely on every single day and I don't know about where you come from, but around these parts, there aren't jobs I can just shashay into with the pay I'm making at Kroger. With or without experiance. ........
I agree with Drew if Kroger ever wants me out I will go without a fight. Why? I'm a kick ass employee. I'm a benefit to any company I CHOOSE to work for. Jobs are hard to find, but all I need to do is get in the door. You know? I'll work a few weeks for free, if I do good work you will then have to pay me. I'm willing to go that extra mile, I don't need to hide behind a union.
For the record, it's not Kroger's Union.. it's YOUR Union, you make it what it is. If you pay dues it's your union.
-- Edited by Em on Friday 18th of March 2011 10:42:48 PM
I never said that. Dude said it.
You can be a "kick ass" employee or a "rebelrouser" all you want, but when you are so miserable and you feel like management is going to get rid of you and you decide to quit, good luck finding another job. If anything, make sure you have a job lined up before jumping ship or head to the unemployment office.
I worked for a small grocery store that closed down about three years ago and a lot of the people who worked there got hired on at Foodland. I still go to Foodland to talk to them and was considering going there as an option with all of the BS going on at Kroger. I told him how much I made and he said "You'll never get that here".
Another thing to consider is that even if you decided to jump ship, a lot of the other grocery stores that are non-union will be hard pressed to look at you. Why? Because you work for Kroger. You can sing the anti-union song but they will be fearful that you will bring in the UFCW with you. Once people see Kroger on an application, you're facing an uphill battle.
Like I said though, I've never had to use the union before, but with a lot of what is getting ready to happen, I'm starting to head in that direction and encouraging other employees to do the same.
__________________
"The postings on this site are my own and don't necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of The Kroger Co. family of stores."
Anonymous wrote:.............. So what if they don't want you there? It's your bread and butter. It's what your kids rely on every single day and I don't know about where you come from, but around these parts, there aren't jobs I can just shashay into with the pay I'm making at Kroger. With or without experiance. ........
I agree with Drew if Kroger ever wants me out I will go without a fight. Why? I'm a kick ass employee. I'm a benefit to any company I CHOOSE to work for. Jobs are hard to find, but all I need to do is get in the door. You know? I'll work a few weeks for free, if I do good work you will then have to pay me. I'm willing to go that extra mile, I don't need to hide behind a union.
For the record, it's not Kroger's Union.. it's YOUR Union, you make it what it is. If you pay dues it's your union.
-- Edited by Em on Friday 18th of March 2011 10:42:48 PM
Apparently you don't children who rely on you or responsibilties...like house and car payments. I don't know anyone who can work for free no matter how good they are. And for YOUR record, I'm not hiding behind MY union. I simply use the tools provided to me IF I need them.
Well it is union mandateds that you get your breaks and lunch, of course, but if don't want to work more than your scheduled time, or more than 40 hours a week, kroger can't make you, because if they try to, there ass might get into trouble. A side from harrassment, which managers could get FIRED for if they decide to be a ****head. I know there are people that need money, but i like my freetime, and I don't self inflict slavery upon myself. I work on night stock, and I will do what I can, but when it is time for me to go, I am going to leave, and no supervisor should be giving me any **** about they're crybaby ass story. it is time for me to go and i am leaving, and if I get in trouble for it, well, I will call my union rep and we will see who wins then. Yeah that's what the union does for me, now maybe that is just general harrasment, but alot of companies are like that where they require you to work overtime.
Well it is union mandateds that you get your breaks and lunch, of course, but if don't want to work more than your scheduled time, or more than 40 hours a week, kroger can't make you, because if they try to, there ass might get into trouble. A side from harrassment, which managers could get FIRED for if they decide to be a ****head. I know there are people that need money, but i like my freetime, and I don't self inflict slavery upon myself. I work on night stock, and I will do what I can, but when it is time for me to go, I am going to leave, and no supervisor should be giving me any **** about they're crybaby ass story. it is time for me to go and i am leaving, and if I get in trouble for it, well, I will call my union rep and we will see who wins then. Yeah that's what the union does for me, now maybe that is just general harrasment, but alot of companies are like that where they require you to work overtime.
Amen! They like to pull this crap about not being able to leave until our replacement shows up. Sorry. Not true! I was on time for work and it's not my problem if the other person isn't. Deal with it. My shift is over, I'm out!
yea I'm totally with you both on the last two post! 40 fricken' hours is enough for me of work in a week. Quite honestly i would love to work 35 hrs. I wish I could go find the asswipe who invented work in the first place and kick his butt.
recently, i heard that if a co-manager asks for you to stay an additional hour then you are required to do so. i think they must tell you this before the last 2 hours of your shift. i think that is a little harsh if you already have plans. but apparently that is in our contract
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I am no longer part of the oppressed, evil workforce of Kroger! Can you say "Hallelujah"
yea I'm totally with you both on the last two post! 40 fricken' hours is enough for me of work in a week. Quite honestly i would love to work 35 hrs. I wish I could go find the asswipe who invented work in the first place and kick his butt.
recently, i heard that if a co-manager asks for you to stay an additional hour then you are required to do so. i think they must tell you this before the last 2 hours of your shift. i think that is a little harsh if you already have plans. but apparently that is in our contract
That is true for us too. But the total asslicking thing is when you work until midnight and the overnight person doesn't show up! Someone MUST stay! The last 3 times I've called the FEM and told her I couldn't do it and the other person hasn't been trained on uscan. She had no choice, she had to come in and work it.
You know I was on the fence about the Union. First, Texas is a right to work state. Which basically means that the union has to represent everyone even if they don't pay dues. I joined several months ago. I haven't noticed a big change in my finances I think it is because the 7.50 is taken out b4 taxes. More importantly I was recently made f/t because my union rep noticed that my manger promoted someone with less senority than me. He filed a grievance and my paperwork went through cause I had my letter in within the last 6 months. I don't think even though it is the law the Union rep would of fought so aggresively on my behalf if I wasn't a member. I'm no brown noser. I'm there to work, provide excellant customer service and I go beyond my job description. The union has had my back and I'm grateful. Tina
where is it in our contract that we are required to stay past our schedule, because it is not in our handbook, it only says we have to work our shift...
The UFCW is not a combative type union, but they have always stepped up and backed us when management was wrong, according to the contract Kroger signed with the Union. We want Kroger to succeed, and keep standards higher than our competitors, but management seems to want to cut corners to produce misleading numbers for themselves. I almost think they are defrauding the company, I am sure if Kroger had secret shoppers, or members of upper management visit the storeunannounced, they would have a much better idea of whether their standards are being met. Management will pour hours, and money into getting ready a visit, but unannounced is the way to go. Kroger is a fine company, and the UFCW is a fine union, all management, and employees need to do is follow the contract. Always do a job if instructed to do it by management, and do it well. If management is doing their job, there will be no need for unioninvolvement, but if they are not and are trying to work outside the contract signed by Kroger, then you need union representation, and move it into the hands of store managements boss if they do not agree.we do not work for the union, we work for Kroger. That is the name on the building, not Bill' ,Mike's, Anita 's or Julie's. (management)
I got something for ya. I have been workin for my store for almost 3 years now. I've been passed up left and right for promotins cause my stores management is crooked. I finally get my shot, and its been almost 5 months and they refuse to give me my pay increase. This effects me major cuz i tried to transfer to a different store closer to where i live and they offered me the promotion so i could stay but without my money im goona lose my job cause i cant get to work. I tried to get in touch with my union rep but i've never met my union rep the whole 3 years i've worked for them and i tried to call in a grevance and noone has ever answered or called me back. Can anyone tell me what i can do or if its time to seak legal outside of the union? Sorry for the typing errors. But in my opnion the union is useless and a waste of money. They just protect the useless and if their afraid of your store manager they never come. At least thats what everyone told me at my store.
The UFCW is not a combative type union, but they have always stepped up and backed us when management was wrong, according to the contract Kroger signed with the Union. We want Kroger to succeed, and keep standards higher than our competitors, but management seems to want to cut corners to produce misleading numbers for themselves. I almost think they are defrauding the company, I am sure if Kroger had secret shoppers, or members of upper management visit the storeunannounced, they would have a much better idea of whether their standards are being met. Management will pour hours, and money into getting ready a visit, but unannounced is the way to go. Kroger is a fine company, and the UFCW is a fine union, all management, and employees need to do is follow the contract. Always do a job if instructed to do it by management, and do it well. If management is doing their job, there will be no need for unioninvolvement, but if they are not and are trying to work outside the contract signed by Kroger, then you need union representation, and move it into the hands of store managements boss if they do not agree.we do not work for the union, we work for Kroger. That is the name on the building, not Bill' ,Mike's, Anita 's or Julie's. (management)
What some people don't understand when they join the kroger team is that you can't be forced to pay union dues. At your orientation, youare asked to sign up for union dues to be taken out of your paycheck. You have the job and the complete right to deny them from taking dues out from your paycheck bh simply not signing your name. And wheather you pay dues or not, you are still backed by the union. I worked there for six months before I quit and payed nothing to the union but I was still back by it.
What you don't understand is that that is a state by state basis. In some states, such as Ohio, you have to be a member of the union to work for Kroger.
I understand what you're saying. Whenever they corporate was coming they scheduled a lot of people to come and then would cut our hours the next week. And they actually do have secret shoppers because I have gotten one before.
But yeah i do agree that in the states you don't have to join the union, if you really don't want to join, don't let them harass you. I don't know how i feel about people being able to leech off the union though if you aren't paying dues... i can kinda see both sides of it really
Well I didn't want to pay for the union period. So I wasn't going to, I didn't really care what they had to offer. I found out a couple months working there that you're still backed though.
They do nothing for the employees except collect money. Now that Michigan is a right to work state employees are just waiting for the contract to be up so they can opt out and save themselves 60.00 a month in dues. The union at krogers is also members of management. When I heard this I said what the hell now that's conflict of interest
Some stores have you pay dollar to wear jeans on a certain day of the week, also if you want to wear a team logo shirt on a game day. They say the money goes to a fund to help Kroger families in crisis. I've never heard of the money going to anyone in my store.
And no you shouldn't have to pay for your name badge, but it did take over 5 months for them to get me a new one!
unions are worthless? how old are you child? do you have any idea what unions have done for us and this country? let me list a few things for you...
because of unions we/YOU have:
minimum wage, breaks, social security, the civil rights act , child labor laws, 8 hr work day, 40 hr work week, worker's comp, act against wrongful termination, age discrimination act of 1967, sexual harassment laws, equal pay laws, maternity/parental leave, health insurance, paid vacation, sick leave...and so on and so on...who do you think built this country?
this country was at it's most prosperous when unions were at their strongest.
maybe educate yourself next time before say something so ignorant.
This country was far and away built before the labor movement really kicked up. We are talking about the late nineteenth century before unions really began to take hold. It is a tough sell to claim that what built this country was a movement that did not start until it was already 100 years old and an international economic powerhouse. Furthermore, a number of the things you mentioned (such as Social Security) are New Deal era attempts to stimulate the economy, and you can't attribute all of the civil rights movement to Unions. You just can't. I see how they can have their uses, but it doesn't cost me a dime to get my coworkers to agree that we are not paid enough.
unions are worthless? how old are you child? do you have any idea what unions have done for us and this country? let me list a few things for you...
because of unions we/YOU have:
minimum wage, breaks, social security, the civil rights act , child labor laws, 8 hr work day, 40 hr work week, worker's comp, act against wrongful termination, age discrimination act of 1967, sexual harassment laws, equal pay laws, maternity/parental leave, health insurance, paid vacation, sick leave...and so on and so on...who do you think built this country?
this country was at it's most prosperous when unions were at their strongest.
maybe educate yourself next time before say something so ignorant.
