How am I supposed to look at my schedule and ask for time off? Are we able to shift swap? I was able to do that at Target when I worked there. Sorry - new to all of this
Near the bottom of the page, there is an option called "My eschedule". Under that header, you can see your scheduled hours for the next two weeks. There's also a link to the request forms to request time off and change availability. There should also be a hard copy printed out in the store, usually in the break room.
As far as shift swapping, there isn't a way to do it online, if you find someone to trade with just notify your scheduling manager and make sure they're ok with it.
While you can swap shifts I'd recommend not to. If your shift replacement fails to show you're just as responsible for it. It's counted as a no call no show. If you have schedule restrictions set it up in esced as either a one day off request or schedule restrictions. I found one day off requests are more apt to be accepted. It's the only way to get days off securely.
Scheduling rules:
The most senior individual picks first. Then the one below that and so on until all staff members have picked. When all staff have picked they work from the lowest senior individual to the highest. Have restrictions? Then the shift goes to the most available individual.
I'd suggest going to ufcw and looking up your contract. Get contract smart. The only rule they don't teach you is winegargen rights. The right to refuse an office visit without a union rep. The more you know the better. Contract is pretty simple it shouldn't take more than an afternoon to read through it maybe a month to memorize it. They're pushing digital so if you see some spare books in your break room snag one. I use to pick these up at meetings but after covid they sort of stopped.
I gave up. You can request stuff but they do with your time as they like. Shortage of employees helps but I will never assume I can get time off or amy requested hours.