I came to this board because I thought it was a good place to get some "real" answers, and to express an opinion without fear. I was hoping some of you union veterans might be able to offer some advice and/or general thoughts or recommendations I could use. I have this friend, a co-worker, who is having some trouble, and is not very computer savvy. He is a decent guy with integrity who works hard, but apparently someone or some persons in this particular store have been using some negative words to try and slander his reputation, spreading rumors about him that he knows are untrue. Problem is, although he might have an inkling to whom the culprit or culprits are, he has no clue as to who is spreading the rumors (or who's believing them). He's feeling "singled out" and uncomfortable, he feels "everyone" (even the steward) is against him, and feels he is working in a hostile environment. He is also untrusting of some of the management, maybe because of past experiences. It may or may not be warranted. All I know is this. Apparently, some people are out to prove that he's "crazy" or something (other words were used), or at least, make him seem that way. If they can't find something wrong with him, they might "trump up" an innocent charge against him, just to try and rile him up. I can't speak for all the facts, but he feels his reputation and dignity are on the line, and is not sure how to go about fixing the problem. He'd like to know who's behind this, but hasn't been able to see his "file". An HR guy came in rapid fire, asking him "50 questions" very abruptly and abrasively, relating to these negative rumors, and commented that there was more than one person who had "complaints" against him. No one could tell him who these people were. Maybe I'm blind, and I don't know who says what "behind closed doors", but I'm having a hard time believing the rumored guy and the real guy are the same person. He's had some grievances against (or regarding) certain individuals in the past, citing unfair treatment negatively towards him and favoritism, but he wants this situation off his back for good. What I'm wondering is this-what are the perameters for a man being allowed to see his "file"? Is it allowed, and what about that old Kroger credo about "being honest, even when it's difficult", and about "transparency and openness" being important and essential to the company? What can he do to clear up and bring honor back to his name, without the whole store "raining down on him", and are there any tips you might have regarding HR itself and HR people, rules and regulations, a worker's union rights in these types of situations, dealing with management (even if you don't feel they're trustworthy), etc. He feels he has nothing to "fight back" with, and it's hard for him to articulate his problems, as I am. Any general thoughts or guidelines would be appreciated. Anybody else go through something similar?
Whenever you get owned in a situation like that, your friend is better off invoking a transfer. Kroger doesn't have to let you see your file, (although if you wanted there is always a copy in the store or tech managers office), but if he really wants to get to the bottom of it, seek out your area Title IX officer to get advice on harassment proceedings. Or accidentally spill some fluid on the charcoal and drop some matches by mistake and poof - BURN THAT MOFO DOWN!!!!!!!Just kidding, probably not worth the arson charges that they'll blame on him like everything else....But seriously, start out contacting the local union and if they are the problem, contact international....
also, HR are usually better about this stuff, he may be getting heat from zone/district management, which sounds very Red to me.....what we need is Dave Dillons E-mail so we can send HIM our complaints and problems and see if thats what he really envisions for our company...
