I work for a Ralph's store as a courtesy clerk (2.5 years). I was wondering if anyone can provide me with information regarding the termination process. 2 of my managers have been threatening to "terminate" me recently - about 3 times in the last month. However, my coworkers have told me that, before I can be terminated, I would have to be given a certain amount of write-ups and/or suspended a certain amount of times before they would have grounds to lawfully terminate me.
Honestly, I'm not a saint so I'll tell you the incidents:
Taking a break (I literally 3 minutes late)
Being to talkative with coworkers.
Getting carts "too slow".
I'm not saying i'm a saint at work, but I doubt they should be able to threaten me with getting fired especially for things that I would consider minor (compared to stealing items, fighting, harassing customers, etc). Does anyone have experience or input about this matter?
If you have no previous write ups lying dormant in your file, suspensions, them they cannot fire you legally (unless they are an at will company). Are you with the Union? If so I HIGHLY suggest you get into contact with them ASAP. Do nothing, agree to nothing, and sign nothing, until you have a union rep there.
Nice try but that is illegal and you could be terminated for recording. Always ask them if this was just a verbal warning or an incident worthy of a writeup- if so then refuse to say anything and ask for union steward to be present. BUT let's think about this - you are still at the bottom rung of the work ladder after 2 1/2 years? Sounds like you are a "joyboy" who slacks off at any given chance. Maybe it's time to man up and go get a real adult job. The mgmt. could simply be tired of having to micro-manage you since you don't show any responsibility. You've lost any chance of advancing there and sounds like they are just waiting for a chance to suspend/terminate you. Go start over somewhere and realize that when you go to work it's not too socialize and take long breaks- it's to perform at a satisfactory level day in and day out- No Slacking!
Nice try but that is illegal and you could be terminated for recording. Always ask them if this was just a verbal warning or an incident worthy of a writeup- if so then refuse to say anything and ask for union steward to be present. BUT let's think about this - you are still at the bottom rung of the work ladder after 2 1/2 years? Sounds like you are a "joyboy" who slacks off at any given chance. Maybe it's time to man up and go get a real adult job. The mgmt. could simply be tired of having to micro-manage you since you don't show any responsibility. You've lost any chance of advancing there and sounds like they are just waiting for a chance to suspend/terminate you. Go start over somewhere and realize that when you go to work it's not too socialize and take long breaks- it's to perform at a satisfactory level day in and day out- No Slacking!
In most states (38 of them) it is not illegal to secretly record a conversation as long the person recording the conversation is a participant in the conversation. These are known as "One party consent" states.
AnonymousFonz wrote:Honestly, I'm not a saint so I'll tell you the incidents:
Taking a break (I literally 3 minutes late)
Being to talkative with coworkers.
Getting carts "too slow".
1) Can be actionable
2) Can be actionable
3) Is not actionable.
To legally terminate you the steps are as follows: Warning, Write up (which you shouldn't sign), Suspension (1-3 days), Suspended Pending Termination(Basically Fired). At this point you should be looking for a new job.
If they have their guns pointed at you keep your nose clean for a while until they get bored.
Good luck.
__________________
Would you like fries with th... I mean, your milk in a bag?
Nice try but that is illegal and you could be terminated for recording. Always ask them if this was just a verbal warning or an incident worthy of a writeup- if so then refuse to say anything and ask for union steward to be present. BUT let's think about this - you are still at the bottom rung of the work ladder after 2 1/2 years? Sounds like you are a "joyboy" who slacks off at any given chance. Maybe it's time to man up and go get a real adult job. The mgmt. could simply be tired of having to micro-manage you since you don't show any responsibility. You've lost any chance of advancing there and sounds like they are just waiting for a chance to suspend/terminate you. Go start over somewhere and realize that when you go to work it's not too socialize and take long breaks- it's to perform at a satisfactory level day in and day out- No Slacking!
In most states (38 of them) it is not illegal to secretly record a conversation as long the person recording the conversation is a participant in the conversation. These are known as "One party consent" states.
Absolutely correct!
The other poster is also partly correct too. You're at work. So work. Take your breaks at the appropriate time, for the appropriate amount of time (this is called time management), and don't socialize too much at work. It's called work for a reason. Management isn't trying to rain on your social parade because you're on their dime screwing around.
Also, why are you getting carts "too slowly"? Are you talking to other courtesy clerks? Friends in the parking lot? Figure out the reason why you're being too slow and fix it.
Thanks for the input everyone. Also, yes I'm a union worker.
Anonymous wrote:
Nice try but that is illegal and you could be terminated for recording. Always ask them if this was just a verbal warning or an incident worthy of a writeup- if so then refuse to say anything and ask for union steward to be present. BUT let's think about this - you are still at the bottom rung of the work ladder after 2 1/2 years? Sounds like you are a "joyboy" who slacks off at any given chance. Maybe it's time to man up and go get a real adult job. The mgmt. could simply be tired of having to micro-manage you since you don't show any responsibility. You've lost any chance of advancing there and sounds like they are just waiting for a chance to suspend/terminate you. Go start over somewhere and realize that when you go to work it's not too socialize and take long breaks- it's to perform at a satisfactory level day in and day out- No Slacking!
I CHOSE not to get promoted because I don't want my minimum amount of hours to be raised. I prefer to get 16 hours to focus on college and my freelance side-business. Also, the managers that have issues to me do not work directly with me - they are store directors, not front end or sales managers.
Thanks for the input everyone. Also, yes I'm a union worker.
Anonymous wrote:
Nice try but that is illegal and you could be terminated for recording. Always ask them if this was just a verbal warning or an incident worthy of a writeup- if so then refuse to say anything and ask for union steward to be present. BUT let's think about this - you are still at the bottom rung of the work ladder after 2 1/2 years? Sounds like you are a "joyboy" who slacks off at any given chance. Maybe it's time to man up and go get a real adult job. The mgmt. could simply be tired of having to micro-manage you since you don't show any responsibility. You've lost any chance of advancing there and sounds like they are just waiting for a chance to suspend/terminate you. Go start over somewhere and realize that when you go to work it's not too socialize and take long breaks- it's to perform at a satisfactory level day in and day out- No Slacking!
I CHOSE not to get promoted because I don't want my minimum amount of hours to be raised. I prefer to get 16 hours to focus on college and my freelance side-business. Also, the managers that have issues to me do not work directly with me - they are store directors, not front end or sales managers.
Alas, another guy jumping to conclusions about someone without knowing all the facts. You're going to college and have a side business. That doesn't sound irresponsible to me. But what do I know...Maybe I didn't read your response right...And by the way, just curious, but what if the trend was "engaging more with the customers" rather than "socializing with co-workers"? Turn your friendly, outgoing personality into something positive. And I'm talking about everyone here...all employees! Doesn't Kroger like this thing called "customer engagement"? Every once in a while, I hear those words bandied about like they're something important...Well, ARE they or not??? Seriously, I wanna know...
AnonymousFonz wrote:Honestly, I'm not a saint so I'll tell you the incidents:
Taking a break (I literally 3 minutes late)
Being to talkative with coworkers.
Getting carts "too slow".
1) Can be actionable
2) Can be actionable
3) Is not actionable.
To legally terminate you the steps are as follows: Warning, Write up (which you shouldn't sign), Suspension (1-3 days), Suspended Pending Termination(Basically Fired). At this point you should be looking for a new job.
If they have their guns pointed at you keep your nose clean for a while until they get bored.
Good luck.
The break situation rings true to a situation a co-worker dealt with. Under most circumstances management will overlook it, but if they are trying to find ways to fire you, they will use things like this. For example, a co-worker was a very slow stocker, and didn't get along with the department head. He clocked back in from break less than 5 minutes late one night and the next he was suspended for theft, aka "stealing time". No matter how small the amount is, they can and will use it against you if they want you gone. I'm pretty sure the being talkative can also be filed under "stealing time" as long as at any point you stopped what you were doing to speak.
