Maybe Wal-Mart needs a union after all. Just two weeks ago I had to fire three people---cashiers, no less, our life's blood---for having simply missed too many days in their 90 day prob period. Doesn't matter that they are are almost singularly single mothers relying on baby sitters who DON'T work for Wal-Mart. When I get direct orders from my superiors I have to act on them, or dust off my reume'.
But we also have 70 IQ retarded psycopaths RUNNING AMOCK as our G.M. unloaders. There's one in particular who comes to bear here: he runs up and down the line. He is 6' 3", knocking people about. You can't tell him enough times to stop that. When he's on his 15 minute break, he fidgets and jumps out of his chair every 20 seconds, saying nothing to any one, because nobody can stand being near him. Last week I had an associate from Sporting Goods, having been sent back to help unload a g.m. truck come to me and say "I'm THIS CLOSE to cutting off his wind pipe."
Sensing real danger, I ran this to my superiors. Know what I got back?
"Well, ----------, this is your area. Your bonus depends on your quarterly performances. We've seen your man work, and he is FAST. I'd look at that if I were you."
well hey, the man works fast. apparently the bean counters have determined that his insanity is worth more in the cost of productivity, than the risk of lost $$$$$ from a lawsuit
well hey, the man works fast. apparently the bean counters have determined that his insanity is worth more in the cost of productivity, than the risk of lost $$$$$ from a lawsuit
Had to do it again last night. A CSM this time....OUCH. Those folks are hard to come by, especially the good ones----and therein lies the irony. To become a CSM for Wal-Mart, you HAVE to be good in the first place. So, this sucks on many levels, including (but not restricted to) the fact that I now have to scramble to find a replacement. My task is NOT aided by the fact that, every quarter, I have fewer budgeted hours to work with. And less requisition approval, which comes form my bosses.....
See, what happened was, Jennie-----who'd been with us for over six years and had always done an outstanding job----had been flagged by Loss Prevention. Three months ago she was suspected of habitually stealing prescription meds form the pharmacy, so an investigation was put on her. Why three months, you may ask...? Because she's a minority.
Let nobody fool you about this, White Corporate America IS fighting a losing battle on these issues. You literally cannot document enough.
Any-hoo, Jennie was finally nabbed red-handed (no, she's not Native American), and, tho she didn't technically work in my area, the firing task fell in my lap nonetheless. Seems to be becoming a trend. She had been filling her meds at the RX, leaving after saying "I'll pay for this up front", then basically not doing that. JESUS.....How retarded. These were generics that WM has for $4./a throw!! Doesn't matter; theft is theft, and one good thing about Wally-----if you're caught dead-dick to rights, they will bust you.
But the worst part for me was the termination process itself. Jennie first began yelling and denying; then, when confronted with the evidence, switched over to crying and pleading. When that didn't work, and just as she was being escorted from the premesis, she threatened ME PERSONALLY: "I got FRIENS, cracka, you won't know where or when it's comin' but it IS comin'!" SIGHHHHHHHHHHHHH............This is a woman I'd worked and joked with and had believed I'd known. All reduced to this.
So then I had to call in the cops, file a report, and have my witnesses swear to it.
If there's any point here, it's just this: Not ALL managers are heartless f**ks who enjoy diciplining and firing people. For some of us, it is absolutely the suckiest part of the job~
I didn't realize the regulars on this forum are managers with tasks such as firing. It must really suck having to fire people. Especially when it is not your call. I also think it is good that you are active on this forum. Kinda like a support group thing.
As I read through this forum I get depressed at the situations discussed. I was terminated, that is bad. But when I was employed, kinda crazy but I liked my job. I never could work day in and day out at a job I didn't like.
I feel for you. You seem to be a compassionate and fair manager. Too bad your goodness can't be exercised in a positive way.
