I was fired from Kroger today over the phone. I was told that "I wasn't pushing good enough numbers". I'd been working there for little over a month as a night shift stocker and I've been told I work much harder than a certain slacker. I don't know how unions work or if this counts as wrongful termination, but I was never warned about this. Advice would be appreciated.
What state are you in? Don't give any identifying info.
Who called you? I think a manager or the hiring person should be the one to terminate you. It is more professional if it is in person.
Unfortunately, you are within the probation period and they can let you go for no reason. It could be the store manager was pressuring the night manager and you were the scapegoat. You could try applying to another kroger store. You could try and file for unemployment but not sure how far you will get.
It could be there are no hours for a new hire. How many night clerks are there? How many hours were you getting?
Did you voice your opinion about the slacker while working? The manager might have been trying to avoid unneeded drama. Did you complain a lot? Yes, there are going to be slackers wherever you go to work.
If you are a high energy worker, try applying for Meijer. They will promote you faster if you can hustle. Walmart will work you into the ground.
What numbers were you not pushing? What were you doing wrong?
Generally, you are supposed to run 60 cases an hour and then you have an allotted amount of time to condition. I give new people 6 months to find their peak pace. But, I am a part timer so my opinion doesn't really count. I timed one new person working at 10%. He quit after realizing he was not up to the challenge. My managers have never let anyone go for being too slow. They are happy to have warm bodies in the store! Most people start out at 50%.
Of course, it's unfair, however, like what the other guys said, you're within probation period (normally 45-90 days, depending on where you are).
If you were there three months, then it would be wrongful of them.
Try again next month, bud. You may have worked "much harder than a certain slacker", but since that slacker has been around longer than you have been, it'll be tough to get rid of him.
The unions are supposed to protect your interests and any rights and privileges you may have earned through the process of collective bargaining, but since you're a new hire that's not out of probation then they have no say in your dismissal.
By the way, the union isn't worth your money. Try to stay away from 'em next time. ;)
-- Edited by NutritionWhore on Saturday 3rd of May 2014 02:49:14 PM
That is EXACTLY what happened to me. I was called on my day off and told not to come in on day 30 of my probation period. However I recorded the entire conversation. Currently I have Workers Compensation suit set for May 21st. I strongly believe if I had joined the union, I could be working or that my injury wouldn't be so bad. To this date Sedwick Insurance Company has authorized 2 doctors visits.
