I have worked at Kroger for almost 2 years, and you do not have to be in the union to work there.
I am not a huge fan of the union and considered getting out of it and saving some money in union dues. I figured all the same rules would apply to me anyway, which is absolutely true.
If you get out of the union the same rules still technically apply but if you have a problem with something, someone, managament, not getting raises or checks at the right time, not getting vacation or holiday pay, etc. the union will not help you out in resolving any of these issues, and kroger will not help you out.
So I decided 8 bucks a check to know I don't have to worry about these issues seemed worth it.
+++++READ YOUR UNION HANDBOOK, I JUST FOUND OUT I WAS GETTING SCREWED BY KROGER SO I SHOULD BE GETTING LIKE A 60 CENT RAISE THAT WOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED IF I DIDN'T READ MY HANDBOOK.
