So I'm fairly new to the Kroger family-60 days new, in fact. I know my Kroger is union, but why is it that nobody from the Union has contacted me to join, and how the hell do I get a book?? I got sick one day, and called out--only to come back and have my lead tell me she went to bat for me because the mgr was going to write me up-- but I had no clue I couldn't call out!! How are we supposed to know the rules and what is right and wrong if there's no damn handbook to know what you can and can't do???
Would I have had a leg to stand on if I didn't know I had violated the rule?? Would there have been any way to contest it??
When you were hired you should have been given an Associate Handbook and when you meet a Union Rep you might be given a Union Contract Booklet. With calling off, as long as you give the 1-2 hours notice your most likely ok.
When I went through training, there was a union rep present and they got to do their song and dance first thing. I'm in a right to work state, though, so union membership is optional. Are you in a closed shop state?
Union contract booklets are extremely difficult to get. Neither the union nor the store want you to know your rights. It's easier for the store to make up or ignore the rules as they see fit and the union doesn't want to be bothered.
Management or the store secretary should be able to print off an employee handbook for you if they aren't all incompetent. That may be an issue.
Being written up for your only callout is out of line. One option may have been to invoke your Weingarten Rights.
However, it's risky to do things like that at the 60 day mark. The probation period at my store is 90 days now, I think. If they don't like you, they can just let you go for any reason at any time during that time.
I know my Kroger is union, but why is it that nobody from the Union has contacted me to join, and how the hell do I get a book?
Ask around the store--a union steward would be ideal--for the name/number of your local union, likely UFCW Local [Number]. From there, you may be able to find your contract online or get contact info to make your request. A steward may even have a copy for you.
If you want to state your Krogrr Division or city, state, we may be able to guide you some from here.
I'm glad you're interested in your contract; all of us should be, in my opinion.
