So, in the two years I've worked at Kroger I've only called off three times. But for the past two days I've had a 101 degree fever, have been vomiting and dripping mucus, and shivering like crazy from feeling cold (despite my 80 degree room). I waited until two and a half hours before my shift, hoping the medicines would kick in and make me well enough to work, but had no such luck. So I called my manager and said that I couldn't come to work today. She then tells me that she's going to write me up for not coming in. Can she really do that? Is it really better for me to go to work sick and infect all our customers? (I'm a cashier, so I touch what pretty much everyone shopping there buys). What should I do?
You only called off today? Or did you call off today and the day before?
Regardless, she can not write you up for calling in sick for 1 day or for 2 days. If you are sick over 2 days, you need a doctor's note. If you do not provide it then you can be written up.
So, if you do get written up and you were just sick for the one day (today), here is my advise to you. Stay very calm. Immediately ask for union representation to be present. Tell your steward the situation and then ask your union steward when (s)he arrives to the office if this is policy. You already know it is not. Write on the write up form that you do not agree with it. State that under the Kroger / Union contract that this write up is in violation of the calling in sick policy. Tell the person who is conducting the write up that they are not abiding by the policy and that it would be to the best interest of all parties to tear up the write up now. You can say something corny like the following.... "when you play a game of ... oh... monopoly, there is set rules in place before the game begins. We all know what the rules are. What you are doing is like... all the sudden... adding additional rules to the game like giving yourself an additional $1000. That is not part of the the rules. That would not be fair would it. Please stick to the agreed upon rules."
Now if they still insist on pushing the write up through - thats fine. Ask your union steward for a griveance form and fill it out. Make sure it is faxed off to the union hq in a timely fashion and they will for sure have the write up yanked. Make sense? good. best of luck
__________________
I am no longer part of the oppressed, evil workforce of Kroger! Can you say "Hallelujah"
You should save all your drainage in a bucket and give it to her as evidence of your illness. I told them one time when I was out for a week with some type of illness that I would deliver a bucket of what im spitting up as proof. I had doctors notes of course, but I was very sick. If you're out for 3 days just like thedude says you will need a doctors note. I would call for a union representative if they try to write you up.
__________________
My Views and Opinions do not reflect that of the Kroger company. I'm an indivdual expressing my 1st amendment right.
Ask for a copy of an employee handbook the next time you get the chance, or ask for your union rep so they can get you one. Management cannot deny you either thing.
It differs area to area, so this might be pointless rambling, but as far as my own store goes, you can only be written up if you're absent for more than three seperate times in 90 days. Multiple days only count as one as long as they are consecutive, and we need a doctor's note if we're absent more than two days in a row. So if you're still feeling ill and you've already called in, stay home. If you go into work and call in again, it's another strike.
