I have worked for the Kroger Company for about 3 years. I'm planning on moving down south and the only store that is worth the drive in a Harris Teether. I know Kroger just bought this company so I don't know much about it. I live up north now. Would transferring be too much of a pain in the ass?
I plan to come back to Kroger within 2 years. I'm afraid they wouldn't hire me back into my same position. Is there any way I can take some sort of LOA (leave of absence) so I can maintain my sonority and position when I come back?
I'm afraid transferring to Harris Teether would mess that all up.
Gonna depend on the union contract you're working under and the contract they have where your going to move. I would contact the union where you're moving to. Kroger will not let you go on LOA just because your moving. Check with your union about coming back. My guess is that you'll be starting over in both cases. Even if the contract says you have to hire a former or current employee at top'd out money doesn't mean that managers will do it or the union will fight for it.
You won't be able to retain seniority and position. Think of the logistics with that. Placeholding in retail for years is simply not feasible. I left for 3 months when I moved to another state and back, and had to start at the bottom again. My pay remained(since I came back within a year) but my hours(was full time) and seniority was gone and took 3 years to get it back.
In terms of transferring to Harris Teeter, I'm not sure. They're a brand new acquisition, and while I'm sure they have their ducks lined up, I'm not entirely sure how easy the process is. Existing stores under the Kroger name are relatively easy to get a transfer to, however Harris Teeter is a bit more upscale and may have different standards to those already laid out.
Honestly, this question is best asked to your store manager(not co managers). He or she can get in contact with the right people to ask. Mine has been helpful in transferred several people out of state and to a couple of different store names.
If it's worth it or not is up to you. If you're part time still making near minimum wage, then probably not. But considering you've been with the company for 3 years, you should at least have a jump start in that area.
I just don't understand... I mean why would you plan on moving somewhere without having some kind of job lined up? If you're a full time clerk making some $11 an hour, then I'd just stay where you are. If you're a part-timer making between $7.25 and $9 an hour, I'd seriously consider working in a different occupation entirely. Maybe see if you can snag some kind of distribution job.
