Ok so a few weeks ago at my store a person in my department was fired for something and then a little later I found out our store manager had told them and someone else that I was next. According to them, who I am pretty sure are reliable people, she said she had "video of me taking food and not paying for it" but I am sure that bull****. The only thing I can think of is when I was the only one in my department for like 3-4 weeks running the whole place solo. I'm in a food service area and can't really leave the area unless some one else is there but for those few weeks, and even now, I was the only one there so I couldn't leave. I was working from 2pm to around 9:30-10pm most days with no or few breaks and no lunches because no one was there to give me said breaks or lunchs so there was a few times where I would grab a drink or food and eat in the department then pay for it later when it was time to go home since that was the only time I had time to go through the lines. This continued for several weeks and I became close to rolling over into full time which she didn't like nor did she want me to roll into fulltime. Fast forward to now and some of the new hires are getting double my hours despite me being at the store for a few years now and I believe she is just holding onto the information so that if I dispute my hours or attempt to go full time she will just throw this out and go "well we think you stole so you're fired" as soon as I make any kind of complaint about my hours or anything else.
I can't really prove that I paid for the stuff since I don't exactly have receipts from weeks ago and often times if it was something small like a single drink or something I wouldn't scan my card since a single fuel point here or there didn't matter to me. My question is, is it unusual for management to sit on a so called "video" of so long before taking action, can I request to see the video myself or do I need unions involvement to see it, and is there a sort of statute of limitations on how long they can wait to fire me before the evidence becomes pointless?
Also is it unethical for the store manager to be telling others that she wants to fire some one and is just waiting for the right moment? Or even to tell other employees about a possible termination but not tell me even though it's about me. Is there any way for me to prove I didn't take the food or even seek union help without the possibility of getting retaliated against?
First, if you close the department a majority of the time and by yourself they aren't wanting to get rid of you. I'm in the Deli I closed by myself for over a month because we had no one else that would work past 7. Second, call the Union ask them if the managers can legally give more hours to some one with less seniority. I already know the answer is no, but it will get their attention and they will question it. Third, if they wanted to accuse of of stealing and had proof, in order to get rid of you, they would've done it already. They can fire you automatically for theft. Don't believe the gossip you hear. It is most likely people who are jealous of your hard work. I deal with that daily, working with a bunch of women.
-- Edited by myopinion on Tuesday 5th of September 2017 12:01:27 AM
-- Edited by myopinion on Tuesday 5th of September 2017 12:02:39 AM
__________________
Get to your department, get off your phone, and do your job!
Look up your state's labor laws on break and lunches. In some states breaks and or lunches are mandatory and if your employer doesn't let you take them, they can be fined.
I agree with the previous posters and will add that no your supervisor shouldn't be speaking about your personal affairs with OTHER employees. But I've learned that is the way Kroger works more times than not.
And also, your situation reminds me all the more why I started bringing protein shakes with me to work. As I rarely get my breaks on closing shifts either. I mean sure I can go and take a break and call someone over from Deli to watch the bakery for me, when I close over there. But given how understaffed we are, I don't even take a break other than taking a few swallows of my drink here and there and keeping busy.
But for future reference I'd definitely start saving your receipts in case someone does try and pin something like this on you. Always have proof of your own to dissuade someone from trying to accuse you from other things as well.
As a previous person said: If they were going to fire you, they should have already done it. Ignore the hearsay. Managers do not hesitate terminating for theft.
Make your purchases before work. Keep your receipt until everything is consumed if it is consumed in the store.
1) Only consume product that you have purchased....even if your purchasing it "on the clock"
2) Eating Food in a "Food Department" might also be terms for terminations......
3) If your not able to get your break as your describe, call the member of Store Management and let them figure out how to cover the department.
( I have worked for this company for many years and its changing FAST!!, they will use your for all your worth and then "Term" you for something pointless/small)
I would suggest all UNION members to begin filing grievances if your not being given breaks.....unless everyone starts putting heat on MGMT/KMA/Corporate about the level of staffing...nothing will change!
CANNED response....we are trying to hire........ Well Pay More, Limit Hours, Cut Services or whatever you need to do.....to MAKE your current associates want to stay with YOUR company....
We are reminded that its YOUR company, ever time a new program is introduced without Store Associates input.....your SME are not Store Associates and do not have to live the program day-in-day out!
