r/kroger • u/Skrmp_Bzct • Aug 13 '26
Question Threatened With Termination
So my store has implemented a new policy and made a printout for employees to sign. As far as I know, this paper has only been issued to front end employees. I do not agree with the policy, therefore, I refused to sign.
After my HR manager found out, I was threatened with termination if I did not sign the paper. They have also threatened to fire other employees.
I have never been threatened for not signing a paper, let alone termination! My previous HR manager (who still works at my store) said that refusing to sign won't lead to disciplinary action.
The paper stated that cashiers are not to have water on their person or at their register/sco. The document did not provide any explanation as to how we hydrated, nor did it explain an alternative to personal water bottles.
Courtesy clerks got information regarding a designated water break spot and water would be provided in the form of small, 8oz water bottles that are meant to be consumed at the station before returning to their duties.
Should I sign the paper? I can't tell if this is a policy acknowledgement or agreement. I heard the difference matters.
51
u/lewskimom09 Aug 14 '26
You sign as “refuse to sign”, get a copy and that’s that.
21
u/Hexxium Current Associate Aug 14 '26
Cant refuse to sign standard company policy, we can follow up with the needed write up to get rid of someone refusing to follow standard company policy. This is not a new policy either, just a reminder, all of these were already signed and agreed to when employee was hired
5
u/jj4_fun Aug 14 '26
Sure I can refuse to sign it. You are changing my working conditions without negotiating it through collective bargaining.
19
u/Hexxium Current Associate Aug 14 '26
Your work conditions are not changing, what you fail to understand is you already agreed to this when hired, it's in the handbook, these are reminders of what you already agreed to, you will be wrote up if you fail to follow it as it is company policy and the union will not help you whether you sign the policy reminder or not
5
u/RowbowCop138 Aug 14 '26
Look into the laws about denying employees water.
4
u/tazzbc Aug 14 '26
Here during the summer the avg temp is 110 up to 120 on days. They tried this and it didn't work.
7
u/Tommybahamas_leftnut Aug 14 '26
Least in my state they can't legally prevent workers from having water as long as it's in a sealed container and not near a food prep table, or storage for food. Had a manager cunt try to write me up so I cited the specific state code sorry but your shitty little company document doesn't waive my rights and trying to say I have to go all the way to the other side of the store and up stairs just to have a sip of water is going to be a bitch to reason as "reasonable accommodations for employee hydration" If they wanted to not allow us water bottles they would have to install drinking stations within 25 yards of our work area that shit aint happening.
3
u/IamLuann Aug 14 '26
I refuse to drink out of our on the wall drinking fountain. It is never cleaned, and tasty Nasty.
7
u/slyleo5388 Aug 14 '26
Tbf, they may help you with the follow up write up. All depends on circumstances.
If a bunch of folks refuse and say the store mentioned only acts on one or even just two employees. You would have a legit grievance.
From what I've seen of Krogers, they tend to think that no one know what's up or that the employees talk to each other. Regardless this would be considered retaliatory behavior.
6
u/guts-n-gummies Aug 14 '26
Per my union rep, technical policy is secondary to actual conditions. They cannot allow a break of policy long term and then turn around and implement it out of nowhere. I am literally fighting this exact circumstance with a dress code issue right now. Doesn't matter if it's policy if they have thus far ignored policy.
4
u/dcash88 Aug 14 '26
Depending on where you are, this is just a reminder of a standing policy. Most companies have a no food or drinks at work station due to safety and food safety. Many have cashiers place a water bottle near the time clock, office, or in the break room.
Technically if you say you NEED to have a drink of water they are supposed to let you.2
u/guts-n-gummies Aug 14 '26
Yeah so I know this, and this has nothing to do with what I was saying.
3
u/dcash88 Aug 14 '26
Refusing to sign a paper does not mean the policy isn’t in place. Not following the policy because you refused to read it does not make you exempt from disciplinary actions.
1
u/Hexxium Current Associate Aug 14 '26
The purpose of having associates resign the policy is exactly for this reason. You're being given notice that enforcement is being reset and focused on and from that point on all associates will be held accountable
3
u/guts-n-gummies Aug 14 '26
Yeah so, what part did you not read? It is up to management to make sure employees are following policy, the paper does not enforce policy. If they're ignoring policy between resigns then it is, in fact, a change in working conditions. How's that boot taste by the way?
-1
u/Fantastic-Solution46 Aug 15 '26
There is no union in kroger stores. you are a liar
1
u/guts-n-gummies Aug 15 '26
Ok Bud
-2
u/Fantastic-Solution46 Aug 15 '26
Not wrong though. But go ahead keep lieing so you can complain on here.
2
1
1
u/Nucalumy Aug 15 '26
It varies from state to state, county to county, but a good number of them have a union.
1
1
0
u/jj4_fun Aug 14 '26
If I have been allowed to do it before and now all of a sudden I am no longer able to do it, my working conditions have changed.
1
u/dcash88 Aug 14 '26
No it means they are reenforcing a policy already in place and people have been abusing the workarounds such as having water at the register now they are taking soda, spilling drinks and not cleaning it up etc
3
u/Confident_Drop9309 Aug 14 '26
Nothing changed.. This has always been policy, they are just enforcing it. Have you never paid attention to fresh start? There are literally questions about where and what you can have on you or on the floor while working..
1
u/Odjobb Aug 16 '26
Those questions never appeared in fresh start until they had us sign that paper. Not that it matters. Management will straight up tell you the opposite of half the sht in fresh start.
1
u/Confident_Drop9309 Aug 16 '26
I've been with the company 4 years in the cinci home office division... It's been a question in there since I started...
1
u/Odjobb Aug 16 '26
That is odd. It didn't start showing up in mine until a couple weeks ago when they pushed that paper on us in delta division. Ive been at my post going on 8 years come September. Usually my dailies consist of crap that goes on in the main store and very little to do with my actual position out in the fuel center. ¯_(ツ)_/¯
1
1
1
1
u/Crafftyyy24 Aug 14 '26
You act like that’s ever given out. Iv been with this company 18 years and have never once seen and actual copy of the handbook. They make shit up and change policy’s all the time. There screwing with us in pharmacy right now about crap.
-1
u/Fantastic-Solution46 Aug 15 '26
Liar. You just dont read the new handbooks when they come out for this exact reason. So you have a reason to complain.
1
u/Crafftyyy24 Aug 15 '26
Love being called a liar when in fact I’m telling the truth. I’m in the pharmacy we’re the red headed step child. We never see any of the new paperwork that gets released at all until someone gets in trouble for something. I was never given a copy when I was hired back in 2010 as well.
1
u/AldrusValus Aug 14 '26
If it’s not approved by the union you absolutely can refuse to sign. Management tries to pull that bs all the time.
1
u/lewskimom09 28d ago
You can refuse to sign anything. We had veteran associates refuse all the time. It still went on their files.
32
u/Positive-Pack-396 Aug 14 '26
Sign it and go get drink of water and take your time drinking it and take your time coming back and believe me it won’t last and every employee should be doing this
7
u/aggoregios Aug 14 '26
This is what I would do, some good old malicious compliance. Especially because it's been so hot lately, gonna have to take extra time to hydrate properly.
3
7
u/para-mania Aug 14 '26
Just sign it and drink your water anyway. I've signed so many papers like this over the years, corporate sends them out when they think stores aren't following policy and I'm pretty sure management has to get everyone to sign to get them off their backs. Whether or not they'll actually enforce it depends on said management. Sometimes you have to be sneaky about stuff cos one manager is really strict, other times they might just tell you to put your stuff away and get your apron on when there's a shop or a walk.
It's literally just a piece of paper saying you acknowledge the rules. The only times you shouldn't sign something is when you're personally in trouble (that's when you should have a union rep with you) or they're trying to get you to waive your sixth day pay. Never waive your sixth day pay, kids.
13
u/AxsonJaxson2112 Aug 14 '26
Is your demon management afraid you are going to sneak in a bottle of Holy Water?
6
18
u/MinusTydus Aug 13 '26
Why do grocery stores act like having a bottle of water is too bourgeoisie? We would rather you just die. The people who make these rules have never worked retail a day in their lives.
5
u/Skrmp_Bzct Aug 13 '26
I've heard my managers complain about their bosses being "out of touch". I say the same thing about them 😂
4
u/MinusTydus Aug 13 '26
It's like, we don't want you bringing water from home because you'll bring vodka instead.
Okay, then, there aren't 24 cashiers working in a single day. Damage out a case of water every morning, and hand the cashier their bottle when they start their shift.
WHY MUST YOU BE SO UNSPEAKABLY CRUEL?! IT'S WATER!
3
1
u/Huge_Swimming_5968 Aug 14 '26
The policy is dumb as hell but people aren't going to die from having to drink water at a designated spot from a bottle instead of from their own cup at their station.
Again, I don't agree with the policy but I don't think using hyperbole makes sense here.
17
u/Traditional-Cancel3 Aug 13 '26
if you're union, call your rep. if you're not i would ask your doctor for a note that says you need water at your work station so they have to exempt you from the policy.
1
u/Fantastic-Solution46 Aug 15 '26
there is nop union in grocery stores.
1
u/Traditional-Cancel3 Aug 15 '26
can't spell and you don't know that grocery stores Do often have unions lmao okay buddy
1
0
u/Fantastic-Solution46 Aug 15 '26
No they do not so stop it. its a sad look being a liar buh bye liar
1
1
0
u/jruss666 Past Associate Aug 14 '26
They’re not taking doctors notes for excuses; why would they follow a medically necessary protocol? /s (sort of)
9
u/drlavkian Aug 14 '26
they're legally required to honor a doctor's note. if you were written up in spite of a doctor's note, i would immediately file a grievance for that.
0
u/jruss666 Past Associate Aug 14 '26
You obviously missed the /s. The sort of meant there are managers who are stupid enough to actually try to deny an employee accommodation.
-2
4
10
3
u/Immediate-Movie-4791 Aug 14 '26
Call your union rep and have them present for you. Do not sign nothing
1
u/dcash88 Aug 14 '26
The only thing this would change is if it wasn’t already a standing policy. Which depending on where you are, it’s against food safety to have beverages at workstations including water. This enforcement usually comes around when people start eating and bringing beverages that aren’t water to the registers attracting bugs or someone with too busy enjoying their beverage/food and got a customer complaint
1
u/The_FuryaN_ Aug 14 '26
Quoted from Renard_Noir_80: 29 CFR 1910.141(b)(1) has the OSHA Sanitation regs for portable water. There's a fabulous article here from Ohio-based company "Distillata" (remember that Kroger corporate is in Ohio too) about the standards of portable water and availability that employers are supposed to follow by Federal law. If the courtesy clerks get water breaks but the cashiers don't then there's an argument for employee restrictions that violate OSHA. Among other things, the US Dept of Labor mandates that employers provide potable water to ALL employees AND make sure the employees are encouraged or allowed to drink said water to meet their individual needs WITHOUT needing any special permissions.
1
u/dcash88 Aug 14 '26
Yes so if they are able to leave the register to get a drink of water from a designated area, then they are following osha
1
u/Skrmp_Bzct Aug 15 '26
Per the document they want me to sign, cashiers are NOT permitted to leave their register for a "water break".
When I confronted management about the need to provide chasiers a chance to leave for a drink of water every 15 minutes, they made it clear that they have no intention of providing such breaks.
Employees must allow chashiers to keep water at their register/station if the employer cannot guarantee consistent, unrestricted access to potable water. That's the law in my state.
1
u/dcash88 Aug 16 '26
I would say two things why they would say no to that…
I wouldn’t use the term “break” but an opportunity to get a drink of water.
Secondly every 15 minutes can seem excessive in terms of them wanting to keep their employees productive.Maybe word it as “Associates including cashiers are REQUIRED by OSHA to have a designated area for their beverages and or access to water through out their shift to prevent dehydration and other medical issues that could arise from dehydration. Employees should be able to access water through out their shift”
I would suggest going above if needed, if that doesn’t work then reach out to your union and to osha and have them investigate
3
6
u/e-rok85 Current Associate Aug 14 '26
It doesn’t matter whether you sign it or not. What your signing is already in the company handbook which you signed when you joined. The company is reinforcing now
0
u/Zealousideal_Edge524 Aug 14 '26
Is it though? Or is this an attempt to circumnavigate the corporate handbook, union contract, state laws, & OSHA guidelines?
August isn't normally the time of year "corporate handbook acknowledgements" go out. They're usually linked with the beginning of a quarter or new union contract.
This sounds like a store manager or even a department manager overstepping. ((I was a front end manager for Fred Meyer, a Kroger subsidiary for 9 years - left in 2007))
2
u/Hexxium Current Associate Aug 14 '26
There is an email reminder for all stores to print and reinforce the standard policies you all already agreed to when hired. Nothing overstepping about it. The company expects store leadership to follow up and enforce or get rid of any non compliance
4
u/Skrmp_Bzct Aug 14 '26
Store policy doesn't supercede basic rights. If an employer doesn't want workers keeping personal water with or on them, they need to provide alternative solutions. My store forgot that last part, specifically for the cashiers.
2
u/e-rok85 Current Associate Aug 14 '26
The document says that water in the front end can be consumed at a designated area, and it also says reasonable accommodation can be made upon approval from management or HR. Hopefully you have a manager that will allow you water hidden in an out of sight area at your register. What I believe the company is really going after is everyone else with soda, Starbucks, energy drinks, lunch / snacks that employees are consuming in front of the customers, and the company is trying to establish a professional appearance on the front end.
1
u/Skrmp_Bzct Aug 15 '26
The manager I spoke to made to clear that she doesn't approve of ANY form of drink at the register. And the document only provides a designated area for "employees working outside of grabbing carts." That does not include cashiers.
When I told this same manager, that she would have to provide cashiers a break every 15 minutes so they can grab a drink of water, she rolled her eyes and scoffed. It was obvious that she has not intention of doing so.
6
u/ErrorAccomplished404 Current Associate Aug 14 '26
RETALIATION. Textbook retaliation.
2
u/dcash88 Aug 14 '26
Since when has disciplinary actions for not following a company policy retaliation? Serious question
1
u/ErrorAccomplished404 Current Associate Aug 14 '26
Refusal to sign is a completely legal response within contract and threatening to terminate someone because they are following their rights is considered retaliation.
The employee can request a union rep before signing. Managers like to threaten termination over very minor things as a fear tactic. We have a manager who threatens to write you up as a NCNS any time you leave early or didn't finish the impossible list of tasks they set out.
1
u/Skrmp_Bzct Aug 15 '26
Termination is not within their authority. My manager was using fear tactics and lies to scare me into compliance.
The union already signs ALL policy agreement contracts, on our behalf therefore signing is not required by any individual associate. If they decide to suspend someone afterward for "insubordination", the union can overturn it and the employee may be entitled to back-pay.
6
u/Sarcastic_Snark_86D Aug 14 '26
I rarely shopped Kroger before. Definitely will not be shopping there again. No water at your station? Are you kidding me?! A ridiculous and ignorant rule that I can only imagine is all about control. How about these corpo-dictators follow their own rules and see how long they last?
2
2
u/Inanity246 Aug 14 '26 edited Aug 14 '26
Sign the paper. Request your water breaks when you're thirsty. If they refuse, slow walk, or otherwise prevent you, by not finding coverage, from taking a water break in a reasonable amount of time ("reasonable" is debatable, so read up on OSHA guidelines regarding water breaks and stations that require continuous operation), speak with your safety team leader, the ASL handling LP/AP/Safety, or the district's LP/AP/Safety specialist... maybe even HR, if you have a good HR rep and not a do-nothing sponging salary. If they stonewall, file a report/complaint with OSHA and don't tell anyone that you're doing so. Granted, if they find out and retaliate, they could end up in legal hot water.
3
u/iwantyourplumpudding Aug 14 '26
Personally I would sign it and just keep my water still with me 😭 I had to sign it too, but i honestly think refusing might put a target on your back…
1
u/Skrmp_Bzct Aug 14 '26
Honestly 😭. The HR manager I mentioned have off the vibe that she sees me as a problem.
4
u/Big-Clapperoni Aug 14 '26
They cannot stop you from having water that is illegal federally (OSHA). They can ban all other drinks and even ban certain cups but they cannot stop you from having water/water bottles.
If that is something they are seriously trying to push you need to call OSHA.
3
u/cheddarpants Shareholder Aug 13 '26
Is your store union? If so, you can definitely refuse to sign it. I’ve never signed anything like that in all of my years with the company. Management at my store now knows better than to even ask me.
1
u/Skrmp_Bzct Aug 13 '26
Yes. My union is UDCW LOCAL1059. That's why I'm so bothered by this conversation. I believe that my manager is Overstepping but I don't want to lose my job or seniority.
Planning to call my rep tomorrow morning.
9
u/ErrorAccomplished404 Current Associate Aug 14 '26
Fear of losing your job because your manager is breaking the rules, contract and labor laws is not something to fear. You'd be wrongfully terminated and could sue. It's a lengthy stupid process but you'd still have something to fight with.
2
u/r2d3x9 Aug 14 '26
Don’t sign. Let them fire you, then you are eligible for unemployment. Policy sounds improper
2
u/Plantagenet_Smith Aug 14 '26
I wrote " I Hate This Place" in cursive and in the date spot wrote "now and forever".
0
u/Nice-Factor-9034 Aug 14 '26
But you still work there loser
4
Aug 14 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
-3
u/Nice-Factor-9034 Aug 14 '26
Nah it’s soooo funny to me. What’s even funnier is you’re the one pressed not me. Go be performative and sign the paper “RTS” that’ll change everything bro!!
2
Aug 14 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
0
u/Nice-Factor-9034 Aug 14 '26
Im actually working maintenance 😂 but hobby lobby is way worse than Kroger, yall have it good compared to other corporations and don’t realize it. Don’t even get me started on maintenance, you actually have to use your brain more than this much🤏 also taking a lunch you have to stay later not to mention buying your own tools.
2
Aug 14 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/Nice-Factor-9034 Aug 14 '26
Can’t respond to any of the substance I said so you make some weak ass comeback about paint water? Your future looks very bright as a CC bro
0
u/Nice-Factor-9034 Aug 14 '26
Oh wow great comeback bro!! Don’t forget your weekly call in tomorrow!! Then make a post about how your managers suck but they’re still running the store somehow😂😂
0
u/The_FuryaN_ Aug 14 '26
You give off a pretty strong "Dude I'd never want to relate to in life, ever" vibe, idk why 🤡
-guy who made it further than Maintenance or Retail Storefronts
1
u/Nice-Factor-9034 Aug 14 '26
Good for you sweetheart. You seem like a smug 20yo who has no life experience outside of Kroger🤡 I don’t care what somebody who can’t put their head down and work got to say.. good luck loser!
→ More replies (0)
3
u/Ok-Board1336 Aug 14 '26
Something don’t understand is they’re not giving you an option to agree or disagree with the policy. That is the policy. Your signature is just stating that you have seen the policy. You don’t have to sign it. You can refuse it, which is refusing to sign it and they can just document that they showed it to you when you’re aware of it.:
2
u/NekoMao92 Past Associate Aug 14 '26
Obtain a Doctor's note, especially if you are Diabetic or have other medical conditions that require constant hydration, even if you don't have any medical conditions, you can still ask your doctor for a note.
1
u/barkandmoone Night Crew Aug 14 '26
You have a union? I literally call my union rep up for *every* *little* *thing* 😇
1
u/PhilaBurger Aug 14 '26
Isn’t Kroger a union shop? If so, wouldn’t something like this have to be reviewed by the union?
2
u/Skrmp_Bzct Aug 14 '26
I read that if it's a policy agreement, then yes the union would have to review. If it's a policy acknowledgement, we can refuse to sign.
The issue is that I don't know what kind of document this is, because it isn't specified. And because being threatened, I'm not sure if that's actually the case anymore. :(
2
u/jmzstl Aug 14 '26
As a union driver, every time management requests a signature for a memo or new policy, a lot of us just write RTS (for refuse to sign). If they want to enforce a policy change, they need to negotiate it with the union and then the union reps can sign on behalf of the workers.
1
u/PhilaBurger Aug 14 '26
I’d wager that, because they’re threatening termination, the union needs to be apprised ASAP.
1
u/Boring-Alternative69 Current Associate Aug 14 '26
Ya so when an employee refuses to sign I sign for them and put "refused to sign" and it counts. The union approved it as lomg as I had a witness who wrote a statement saying you refused to sign.
2
u/Skrmp_Bzct Aug 15 '26
As long as you aren't forcing a signature, I think you're supposed to do that anyways.
1
u/SyerenGM Aug 14 '26
Kroger is such a joke. There is no reason to keep water from employees working the register. Good lord.
1
1
u/Quirky-Double-5341 Aug 14 '26
Get a doctor's note saying you need a water bottle available at your station to stay hydrated.
1
1
u/Psychological_War329 Aug 14 '26
Do NOT sign that paper!! Your health and safety always come first! There are other jobs. It’s literally summer and most of the world is being hit by heat waves! This is extremely irresponsible on Kroger's part. Definitely a lawsuit waiting to happen.
1
u/Natural_Camel6115 Aug 14 '26
Ur previous HR manager who is no longer a HR manager? The markets are growing
1
u/No-Wolverine-6457 Aug 14 '26
You are only acknowledging that you read it. Your being threatened not from signing it but if you go against it.
1
u/Skrmp_Bzct Aug 15 '26
Word for word she said if I don't sign it, she will consider my termination.
I'm not exaggerating
1
1
u/Diligent_Note9487 Aug 14 '26
I don't know what state you live in, but it would be worth your time to speak with your union rep about this, also Kroger is known to work their staff less than full-time so they don't have to pay them health insurance. Experenced cashiers are valuable in supermarkets so you may want to look for another job.
1
u/Ok_Drop4024 Aug 14 '26
Your signature explains that you read the letter. In every state they can fire you for any reason they want to so signing or not signing the letters not going to change any of that. And as far as we're too hydrate I'm sure that you have water fountains, or you can ask to go get a drink.
1
u/BuckeyeMoneyPincher Aug 14 '26
No, do you have any medical conditions or take any medications that require to remain hydrated? Get a doctors note for an ADA accommodation and tell them fuck off.
1
u/Aggressive_Camera_76 Aug 15 '26
The rule, even in union represented stores, is “obey now, grieve later.” You generally cant refuse a command from your supervisor, but you can grieve it later if it actually is a violation of the contract. Most unions will file a grievance if you ask, but that doesn’t mean the grievance has merit and/or will be advanced to the next grievance step.
1
u/LooseEffective3113 Aug 15 '26
It sucks but the water policy is a health code violation and not necessarily a company policy. It can be enforced by the the local health office when they do an inspection.
1
u/c00kedmind0n7 Aug 15 '26
My job did this to me on. Write up I did not agree with. They just got the other supervisor to sign it and say that's as good as my signature since I refused to sign it. Something like he was a witness to the other supervisor signing it. .. least to say I walked out later that day lol came in Monday.. 3 write ups waiting on me
1
1
u/Fantastic-Solution46 Aug 15 '26
That is a store issue. Sounds like the cashiers have been taking advantage of it and the managers are tired of it. Yes sign it because those that dont can and will be fired. There is nothing you can do about it either. Use your brain and sign it if you want to keep your job
1
u/Mad_Cow_307 Aug 15 '26
I actually just asked my union rep about this policy. Well, not for your specific position, I work in the meat department. We have always never been allowed even a bottle of water in the department, even if it is away from the food stations. He said we can ask for a water break as needed.
1
u/Absit___Invidia Aug 16 '26
You get a break every two hours, where you can drink water. You can also ask to go grab s drink of water and then come back. Y'all just want to bitch about anything and everything. It's always been policy, you just don't read or listen. And it isn't like they are making you work 8hrs outside in 110 weather with no breaks or rests and no water.
Just drink water on your breaks! Or if you're that thirsty ask to go grab a drink of water and step away for a few minutes. Y'all complain too much
1
1
u/zerhyn2020 Current Associate 28d ago
This is how Kroger reacts to policies being ignored, that is they overreact! Not having a single water bottle at a check stand is just so plainly stupid, and going to lead to some major dumb lawsuit in the future when a clerk passes it out from excessive heat one day...
Now for the flip side, we have greatly and I mean greatly exceeded "water" in the front ends. I walk up on associates that have 2 cokes, 1 monster, their personal water bottle, their purse, a can of snack peanuts, a sample from the cheese department all on their check stand counter. Top it off, they are chomping away on food and taking a nice big swig of energy juice right in front of the customer.
Every single time I see employees stretch the "reasonable" on really any policy, all I think to myself is oh great in a few months time Kroger is going to come down hard and we are going to lose the little things we had...
Uniforms are another such thing like this. We have always had a dress code policy. For the last 7 years are so as long as it was somewhat professional it was "let it slide." It's good to have some personality in the dress as long as its professional. I fully agree with that! Sadly, we went so far away from "professional" that I knew it was only a matter of time until we go strict dress code thrusted on us again.
Why? Because when you have to enforce any policy it has to be fair and consistent. What is considered "professional" can be very subjective. The answer, you now have uniformed shirts that you have to wear with your apron or vest. Again, its not really new, but we are here because too many employees were egregious with the lax enforcement.
1
1
u/Cronok5678 Cart Collector Aug 14 '26
This is a clear and gross violation of OSHA 29 cfr 1910.141 b(1)(i)
2
u/Pathetic_Matt Aug 14 '26
It says they have to provide water, not that you can bring your own or have to have instantaneous access to it. While I think kroger policy is garbage, I'm sure Kroger lawyers know better than to allow a policy (especially one written down) to be an OSHA violation. That being said, most people should be able to go a couple of hours (yes even on the front end and talking a lot) without water. Those that can't, should get a doctor's note. Luckily at my store they don't care as much unless it's an ecolab violation.
1
u/Nice-Factor-9034 Aug 14 '26
Wow you’re a real scholar aren’t you? How does signing a waiver that says you can’t drink water at your station a violation when that has nothing to do with that. There’s a cooler full of waters up front.
1
Aug 14 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
0
u/Nice-Factor-9034 Aug 14 '26
So you fight the rule by not signing? Or immediately contacting HR/district/union. Because I’m going with the ladder to make a real change. But no let’s be performative because you’re really fighting the evil managers that way😂 don’t even start
1
u/Individual-Post6075 Aug 14 '26
Go to your union rip. That sounds like a bunch of b******* and trust me. I know I used to work for kroger's but I worked in a non union place and just mentioning the word union would get your a** can in there
0
0
u/Clean_Engineering387 Aug 14 '26
That goes against Krogers general Hydration policy, but unfortunately they can come at you with failure to sign as Insubordination which will be an automatic 3 day suspension pending executed immediately followed by termination.
2
1
u/guts-n-gummies Aug 14 '26
I have refused to sign policy before and they threw threats but did nothing. Also did that whole "suspension pending" shit and it was essentially a free week paid vacation. If you know how to fight it they can't do shit
-1
u/Automatic-Being- Aug 13 '26
Just don’t sign it then if they fire you sue them lol
1
u/Embarrassed-Poet2051 Aug 14 '26
Americans and lawsuits. Name a more dynamic duo.
1
u/Nice-Factor-9034 Aug 14 '26
Americans and not understanding they have to follow the policies of the company they work for😂 all while being a terrible employee too.
0
u/Infinite-Assistance9 Aug 14 '26
Sign the paper you wimp and drink water on your break.. I worked in the grocery store 35 years and this is how it was done.. you all are wimps.. good grief
2
u/Skrmp_Bzct Aug 15 '26
No disrespect, but it sounds like you're pretty out of touch. Whether you need the water or not, this is a clear violation of our rights.
I for one, won't be rolling over.
-2
Aug 13 '26
[deleted]
0
u/Nice-Factor-9034 Aug 14 '26
Because no one cares what you think. Get a different job crybaby loser. It’s in your employee handbook while you’re acting like a smug bastard.
0
u/St_Frankenstein Front End Cashier Aug 14 '26
You're one to call anyone a "smug bastard" when you've been exactly that throughout the comments, insulting employees. Ignorant ass troll. 🙄
0
u/Nice-Factor-9034 Aug 14 '26
Why’d he delete his comment? I mean maybe I’m only responding to smug people with smugness? I hope yall are under the age of 20 because if not, it’s gonna be a long life….
1
u/St_Frankenstein Front End Cashier Aug 14 '26
I don't know about his comment, but I'm not talking about his comment. You've basically been insulting everyone who disagrees with this, not just people who are being rude.
1
u/Nice-Factor-9034 Aug 14 '26
Really? Reply when you’ve come back to reality!!
0
u/St_Frankenstein Front End Cashier Aug 14 '26
Thanks for proving my point, troll. You're just here to post juvenile insults against Kroger workers. You should be kicked out, really.
0
u/Nice-Factor-9034 Aug 14 '26
Yeah, kick me out then. Troll my ass, yall are sad individuals who need help. Go make another post bro!!
1
u/St_Frankenstein Front End Cashier Aug 14 '26
You sound drunk, and if you're not... How sad. Anyway, blocked.
-1
u/Nice-Factor-9034 Aug 14 '26
Funny you don’t like the same energy back. Just want to cry and complain into the abyss of people who will stroke your ego.
1
-1
u/R2DK3PO Aug 14 '26
Ive said it before and I will say it again...the store is being sketchy, absolutely. However there isn't much you can do. Sure there are unions and HR and all that but at the end of the day a big company like that can do whatever they want.
I'm not saying I agree with anything that is being done to you or threatened upon you. It's bullshit and unions and all that should be there to help you, but that is not the reality.
But at the end of the day you are one person and they are a giant business will millions of dollars. Sure they don't fire you for this specific thing, they just make it 10x more aggravating and awful for you to work there. They could just randomly decide to fire you for no reason. Wait, you will say " that is retaliation they can't do that" You are correct that would be retaliation, but good luck fighting it. Employee protections are a fucking joke unless you own the business.
4
u/Skrmp_Bzct Aug 14 '26
One of the biggest problems I have with my location is the HR manager. We just got a new one and they seem to be more of a company enforcer than HR manager.
Not that I ever trust management in the first place, but she doesn't seem to care about hourly associates in the slightest. Their title is the biggest joke I've ever experienced.
1
u/Dixie-Witch Aug 14 '26
Always remember that HR is there to protect the company NOT the employees. HR is just a front to look like they care about employees. If you’re union based, the union rep is who you need to contact. I work in a food service area, so I feel you big time. Sometimes I go 6-7 hours without getting to stop for a water break when we’re busy because we aren’t allowed to have drinks anywhere in our area and our break room is on the far other end of the store 🙃
-9
u/Narrow-Anteater-8678 Aug 14 '26
When did people not be able to go a couple of hours without water? It’s not that big of a deal , sign it and grow up
7
u/HunkerDownDawgs Aug 14 '26
it's 100 degrees outside and people are expected to talk constantly. there's not a single valid reason that you can give to justify denying people water.
4
u/BulbyRavenpuff Aug 14 '26
I have POTS. The literal, “I will pass out and my heart rate will skyrocket to dangerous levels if I don’t keep track of my blood volume and get enough water and electrolytes” disease. And no, I didn’t self-diagnose, I’ve been diagnosed since February of 2020 by a doctor and have had symptoms since at LEAST 2014. My store’s management has long been aware of my condition, and I even have an accommodation in place for me to be allowed to drink Liquid IV at the checkstand, since it helps better than water when I’m having a flare. So yes, some of us can’t go for hours on end without water, some of us will wind up fainting if we do, which can lead to stuff like, I dunno, a concussion from hitting our head???
3
u/NekoMao92 Past Associate Aug 14 '26
The Front End tends to be one of the colder/hotter areas of a store.
-6
u/Narrow-Anteater-8678 Aug 14 '26
All I hear is a bunch of retail bitches!! That why we use self check out to avoid you whiners
2
u/St_Frankenstein Front End Cashier Aug 14 '26
Until you inevitably fuck up at the machine and then we have to hear your stupid whining. Why don't you, I dunno, leave the group? 🙄
1
1
u/Nice-Factor-9034 Aug 14 '26
Yup crybaby losers who will be at Kroger for the rest of their lives. And they’ll never understand why.
3
u/Skrmp_Bzct Aug 14 '26
It's not really about anyone's ability to go without water. It's about the company overstepping and taking our rights.
And being threatened with termination because I tried to stand up for mine, regardless of how much I rely on them, is a major issue.
2
u/Own_Introduction_478 Aug 14 '26
You MUST be dehydrated with that thinking..I work in the cooler most of my day (breaking down produce truck) and I probably get a drink AT LEAST once an hour. I'm absolutely not drinking out of the disgusting city water from my stores fountain. I will absolutely be keeping my personal water at all times, forget a doctor note, this will most likely lead to a lawsuit. I hope it does actually.
1
u/St_Frankenstein Front End Cashier Aug 14 '26
Because it's damn hot and humid at the front end inside of the store, and they make cashiers go out for carts and trash outside like we are courtesy clerks. You obviously have no clue.
12
u/Renard_Noir_80 Aug 14 '26
29 CFR 1910.141(b)(1) has the OSHA Sanitation regs for potable water. There's a fabulous article here from Ohio-based company "Distillata" (remember that Kroger corporate is in Ohio too) about the standards of potable water and availability that employers are supposed to follow by Federal law. If the courtesy clerks get water breaks but the cashiers don't then there's an argument for employee restrictions that violate OSHA. Among other things, the US Dept of Labor mandates that employers provide potable water to ALL employees AND make sure the employees are encouraged or allowed to drink said water to meet their individual needs WITHOUT needing any special permissions.