One of the grocery 1st shift stockers (a veteran with about 10 years in) hurt his lower back (allegedly) and got put on a 5 pound Weight Restriction. In response to this management took him off running stock and had him condition(face up) some of the non dry grocery depts (3rd shift conditions dry grocery) then do put backs until he got off of Light duty. Recently he had his doctor write a note excusing him from conditioning. He has been put in a "greeter" position where he walks around the store talking to employees and customers.
Ok he has been using 40 hours off the grocery schedule every week for the last 8 months and not touched a single case of product since then.
I hurt my back and I was on Light duty for only a week and a half. I understand that he may have done some damage, but 8 months and no change? no surgery no nothing?
How long can someone milk this? All he has to do is keep telling the doctor that his back hurts and he extends the Weight restriction! Management tried to cut his hours but the union got them back for him.
Does management even have a recourse in this instance?
It seems if this employee is not physically able to perfrom the job duties he shouldn't receive 40 hours. (especially of the hours from grocery) I am all for the union but this seems quite unfair and dirty.
Different union contracts have different rules... Something sounds fishy here for sure. In our union contract, there is wording that specifically states that the store manager has a right to ensure that the store is able to run and do business properly. There are some situations and circumstances where the manager can cut hours and full time positions and be OK.
I suppose if this was happening in my store and my store manager were to ask me advice, I would suggest that he talk to the union representative and explain the situation. The employee may have a genuine problem, but at this point, if there is no work available for him, then he should be put on workman's comp, and stay at home. In our contract there is no position listed for a "greeter". If this is something made up just to keep the guy working... Well.. It doesn't need to be given to him. The manager can assign him the lightest, easiest work available, and if he can't perform it, then the person really needs to not be working.
But when management tries to do this against the workers will, the Union gets called in and probably doesn't know all the facts. If the store manager were to call the union himself and explain the situation, he might find that the union is more willing to work with him. This shows that he is trying to do right by the employee, and wants to do so. The union can work with him to find out what legal options are available.
blame the union, dont blame him for taking advantage of a good idea.
i do accounting at my store and get paid LESS than a bagger?
really kroger? you trust me with handling over 100k a day in cash, and i get paid the same as someone who pushes buggies?
**** the union.
hey asshat. you sit on your fat ass all day. and if you ever ****ed one dollar of that 100k your ass would be fired,arrested,sued pick one 2 or all three.
