This is the first forum I found dedicated to Kroger. I wasn't exactly looking for people who HATE it but the advice you provide me with will help either way!
I have been with the company for a year now. I started in May 09. I am working for the King Soopers chain in Colorado. I work on night crew.
The question I have could relate to any employer, but I'd like to know from people who are familiar with this company.
The grocery manager of my store was kind of a friend of mine. Before I worked there he was the one who put in a good word for me. The only reason I got hired was because he was a Foreman, and got promoted. So he's relatively new to his management position.
A little bit on his personal life. He is incredibly over worked, and stressed about this job. He complains about needing a lot of help. For a job that 1 man should be capable of handling. Since we were kind of friends, he would come to me to vent whenever he was really stressed out. Now his venting has started to become a problem.
No longer is he venting, he is attacking me. Last night was my night off. I was with some friends at their house when he decided to text me asking if I would make sure that someone would build an end display for him. What I thought would be a 2 second response (sorry, not there man) turned into a 2 hour text argument. Since he doesn't have a phone he was using a computer so his messages where long, and coming in all mixed up.
Earlier that night I got a voicemail from the store asking if I could pick up a shift. Since I had plans I simply ignored the message. (Just some background)
He was upset because I wouldn't call the store for him to make sure someone would build an end. Since I pretended to be asleep and ignore their calls, I wasn't about to call my foreman, who was short handed, to tell him to do more work that he didn't have to do.
Anyway, one thing lead to another and he was pretty much yelling at me about how nobody ever helps him and threatened to change the schedule on me after I just bought 200 dollar tickets to a show and requested a night off for this show two weeks prior.
Sorry this is so long, on to my question. Is he allowed to do this?? Could he get in trouble if the store manager found out he was harassing me on my night off? I'm not saying Im going to get him in trouble, this is the first time Ive had this problem so Ill let him off easy if I find out I have an upper hand here. I mean seriously, its not my fault this guy cant afford to turn on his phone!
At one point in our argument he used the phrase "You don't talk to me like that!" I wanted to tell him "Im off the clock I don't give a **** how I talk to you!" but I didn't, because he's still my boss. Could I have done that??
If anyone here who holds a management position in this company could give me a clear perspective on my options that would be excellent! Any other opinions are more than welcome too! Thank you!
Under our contract and company policies, in Texas, He can be terminated. He has no union protection or recorse so he is at the mercy of his bosses. If you are uncomfortable then contact your union and file the complaint and he can be terminated if not moved to another store.
Yes, there is an open door policy. Use it. Go to your manager and talk to him.Your friend is trying to take advantage of you. Stop it now before it gets any worst. If management does not handle it there is a number you can call that will get results. Let me know if you need the number. They should have it posted in the break room. If you are union get the union involved. Good Luck
IF you are not a full time employee they can add a shift to you without asking due to call in or business if they can get ahold of you. As to the friend turned boss. The behavior was unprofessional and was uncalled for. Your time off is your time not his. Ifs best that you held your tongue so as to avoid problems at work. I would show the texts to your manager and ask them to talk to him or her about their behavior. If the behavior continues contact the union on you behalf to get it stopped. Not much of a friend if he couldn't understand you were off.
sounds like hes not headstrong enough for the position he took on. I'll admit tho, if done the right way and thoroughly, grocery manager is the most demanding job of a store. hands down
