Judd I have recommended your newsletter to countless people both online & in real life. Thank you for being a reliable source of information in a sea of rumors, lies & disinformation. You’ve earned my trust.
wow - thank you for these newsletters! this is terrible. i had to back off news a bit for mental health reasons; i had no idea about this exemption. it is time for a fully paid sick leave policy - for everyone - it is for the societal good. I am starting to think that there needs to be mass closings to get the social distancing needed.
Kroger has put signage on the floors concerning where to wait in line and the governor is looking at controlling how many from a single family can be in a single store at a time
In the recent press releases (announcements) from Rodney McMullen, Chairman and CEO, he states that Kroger is "providing financial support from our Helping Hands fund – a company-sponsored employee assistance fund – to associates who may be directly affected."
Setting aside the vague language, which is another concern, looking at the Helping Hands Fund, I discovered the following.
At the end of FY 2018 (fiscal year 2018), the Kroger Helping Hands Fund had $496,335 according to the Fund's IRS Form 990.
According to Payscale.com, the average hourly pay for a Kroger employee is $10.31.
The estimated cost-to-employer for such an employee is $12.89 per hour.
If an employee is out of work for two weeks due to Covid-19, the cost to the Fund is approximately $1,031.
Thus, the Fund could pay the wages for 481 employees who are out sick for two weeks.
According to Business Insider, Kroger has approximately 450,000 employees.
Therefore, the Fund could pay for 0.1% of the Kroger workforce out for two weeks due to Covid-19.
Kroger has given a 2 dollar an hour wage increase during part of this crisis. OT get a third dollar tacked on. There will also be a thank you check for current employees. LOA rules have been relaxed so those that need the time off can get it. Yes, it's paid. So many folks have no idea about what is going on but want to make uninformed comments.
Do you happen to know whether or not this policy you speak of is pertinent to all stores under the corporate umbrella or do you just strive to be contrarian rather than enlightening?
I retired after 36 years, 1/2 with union and 1/2 mgmt. This company has always had an employee first relationship with its associates. This sounds like a disgruntled union local doing bargaining in advance of negotiations. Sick!!!!!
I do not know him personally. We have worked for Fred Meyer for the last 37 years, I no longer do, but husband does. Fred Meyer is no longer a company that treats their employees like the "family" they used to. Its It's extremely sad to to see these changes. When your employees are treated well, they will take pride in their work. I no longer see this :(
Against the mighty government and corporate sins of greed and power, we all think "what can we do?" We can educate ourselves, spread the word and defeat the rising tide of ignorance and complacency.
This is false. The whole article is filled with half truths. Your sources are misinformed. Kroger has made adjustments to all attendance policies as of a week ago so anything you have a printed copy of is outdated. If you want the real truth call the ufcw locals and get your information from them. Why are you trying to hurt us? All this will do is create more panic and distrust.
Jessica. Nothing you say here contradicts anything in the article. If you have more verifiable information about Kroger's policies, you can send them to me at judd@popular.info
I have a union contract in my hand negotiated by your self absorbed union minions. Where can I send you a copy asshole. Thankyou kroger for 36 great years with union benefits and absolutely the best health care anywhere for 10 bucks a week. My union dues cost more than health care ever cost me in 30 years. And I have multiple sclerosis. Thankyou Kroger for caring! Judd is a pud! Get a life!!!
Chuck if he is wrong provide the information you don't have to insult anyone, read the article it says you have to work 90 days before you receive sick leave, that being said no one should have to come to work sick and take the chance of getting others sick, that makes no good business sense and during these trying times I would think that Kroger being the good neighbor store that they are would waive the 90 days for the protection of its employees and customers don't you think? Is just good business policy.
You make Judd’s point Jessica. “Kroger has made adjustments to all attendance policies as of a week ago”. Knock yourself out and keep on shopping but take precautions-or not. Since this was written, notice how this disease has spiked.
I don't know if this was published after a company wide email came out about sick leave, but Kroger is choosing to follow the paid two week leave if you are diagnosed with Covid-19. All you need is confirmation from your medical provider it public health authority that you just be placed under mandatory quarantine.
I love to crap on this company as much as the next person, but as soon as two associates in Seattle and Colorado we're diagnosed this information about the updated emergency sick leave policy was released.
Associates will receive up to 14 days paid time off. I never thought they would do anything and would force us to use vacation and personal time if we had it.
Surprisingly somebody stepped up and did the right thing.
All of this information was released on March 14th. Maybe an edit to the article is needed?
Considering the shortage of testing in this country and lack of access to proper medical care for most low-income workers, I would argue that not only is this address in the article but this is also not adequate enough.
This might be sufficient if we had rapid testing available but with 5-7 days needed to get results if you can even get tested that is, there goes half your time. Just saw on ABC news tonight(4/3)where a bus driver got coughed on and within 4 days he was dead. I’m not sure people outside the healthcare community understand how severe this virus is. That’s got to be the reason so many are thinking the fatality numbers are a joke being trumpeted by “the Dems”. Ignorance will kill anyone, not really caring what political party you belong to. So if you want to be stupid, please stay away from others; including nurses, docs, EMS workers. Any and all of those putting their lives at risk don’t need to be around your stupidity.
Some of the Kroger owned stores don't even have union contracts, those employees have no support or protection for their jobs. They can't even attempt to stay home to self quarantine, even if they technically qualify for it, they would likely face retribution for it later. They have been hiring new employees to deal with the customer traffic. The company could move to grocery pickup/clicklist, or at the very least waive the fees for those services to encourage using it, but they are instead continuing to encourage customers to crowd into the stores. They could place limits on the number of customers allowed in stores at one time, but they won't even take that step. This company has decided the only thing that matters is the money, not public health, and not the health of their associates. While many other employers have taken large steps to provide paid leave, and limit exposure, Kroger has done nearly nothing.
Some of the kroger owned stores? There are no franchises. Kroger owns them all. Union or not is up to the individual associates. Protection for a job is best preserved by doing a good job in the 1st place. The government will set the parameters about who and how many enter the stores. Many of the customers at my store do not drive, can't afford the delivery fee or the pick up fee. They only need a rew things. I've been with kroger for over 41 years, 25 union and the last 16 in management. This company has been feeding me even before I was born. My father worked for kroger as well. Both union and management as well.
Idk if that's true I know an employee that works their but he's not been to that at all. I know an employee that was sick in Feb for 4 days not including his 2 days off, they let him go. Their policy doesn't reflect the lip service they display for the public. Obviously if the public was important they employee would be as well. Because exposing the public to a known sick employee it's cool at all. They also have employees that are bitter and don't care, had one tell me it's not in the hand book so they don't wash their aprons because Kroger doesn't pay them enough. I said that's a health code violation, they said kroger should wash them. It's immature and dangerous, not to mention the lack of intelligence. I try not to shop there of I can help it. I certainly don't buy meats that they package or cut at the deli. I was told the older ppl wash their aprons, it figures a dying breed ppl with some dignity and respect, soon they'll all be gone.
I hope the government pays us for being out of work therefore we cannot take nobody is going to work and contaminating our family therefore I hope the government pays us for not working is crazy you got to decide into feeding your family or killing your family
I work for City Market, a kroger store in Colorado. My store has done everything it can to take care of its employees. If associates are sick they encourage them to stay home with no repercussions.
I'm a Kroger employee in AZ and you are told from the get go the sick pay policy. It's your decision to work a part time job and sick pay is just ONE of the downfalls. The Company has many issues but they do try to take care of their employees. I personally have over 120 hrs sick pay and two weeks paid vacation with an added 80 for personal time off. They also pay funeral/maternity pay. And I work a minimum of 40 hours a week to pay for it usually 50.
Seriously? No part time worker anywhere gets paid sick time or benefits. So don't bash Kroger as if they are the only company who does this. Read your state's employment standards and that is what you get. If the company you work for pays and provides more than the standard then count yourself blessed.
Awesome point, DLK. You are obviously employed and understand how sick time and benefits works in terms of part-time workers. Those who don't have an understanding of it simply need to discuss with their employer or employed friends how it works. It's not rocket science.
Judd I have recommended your newsletter to countless people both online & in real life. Thank you for being a reliable source of information in a sea of rumors, lies & disinformation. You’ve earned my trust.
Your work continues to save lives...we are all indebted to your leadership.
wow - thank you for these newsletters! this is terrible. i had to back off news a bit for mental health reasons; i had no idea about this exemption. it is time for a fully paid sick leave policy - for everyone - it is for the societal good. I am starting to think that there needs to be mass closings to get the social distancing needed.
Kroger has put signage on the floors concerning where to wait in line and the governor is looking at controlling how many from a single family can be in a single store at a time
In the recent press releases (announcements) from Rodney McMullen, Chairman and CEO, he states that Kroger is "providing financial support from our Helping Hands fund – a company-sponsored employee assistance fund – to associates who may be directly affected."
Setting aside the vague language, which is another concern, looking at the Helping Hands Fund, I discovered the following.
At the end of FY 2018 (fiscal year 2018), the Kroger Helping Hands Fund had $496,335 according to the Fund's IRS Form 990.
According to Payscale.com, the average hourly pay for a Kroger employee is $10.31.
The estimated cost-to-employer for such an employee is $12.89 per hour.
If an employee is out of work for two weeks due to Covid-19, the cost to the Fund is approximately $1,031.
Thus, the Fund could pay the wages for 481 employees who are out sick for two weeks.
According to Business Insider, Kroger has approximately 450,000 employees.
Therefore, the Fund could pay for 0.1% of the Kroger workforce out for two weeks due to Covid-19.
Kroger has given a 2 dollar an hour wage increase during part of this crisis. OT get a third dollar tacked on. There will also be a thank you check for current employees. LOA rules have been relaxed so those that need the time off can get it. Yes, it's paid. So many folks have no idea about what is going on but want to make uninformed comments.
Do you happen to know whether or not this policy you speak of is pertinent to all stores under the corporate umbrella or do you just strive to be contrarian rather than enlightening?
Kroger is union. Google it, for Google is your friend, I'm not 🤷♀️
I retired after 36 years, 1/2 with union and 1/2 mgmt. This company has always had an employee first relationship with its associates. This sounds like a disgruntled union local doing bargaining in advance of negotiations. Sick!!!!!
Rodney doesn't care about anything but the bottom line. Never has never will. 8 year Kroger manager here.
I would have to agree with you Jim. Fred Meyer treated their employees like family and cared, but whenn Kroger bought them out that all changed!
Then get another job with another company. It's obviously not the worst if you've been with the company for 8 years.
Hear hear, Chelsea! Great point!
Do you know Rodney personally or are you just making a statement on personal opinion?
I do not know him personally. We have worked for Fred Meyer for the last 37 years, I no longer do, but husband does. Fred Meyer is no longer a company that treats their employees like the "family" they used to. Its It's extremely sad to to see these changes. When your employees are treated well, they will take pride in their work. I no longer see this :(
Muckraker! Get in there.
Against the mighty government and corporate sins of greed and power, we all think "what can we do?" We can educate ourselves, spread the word and defeat the rising tide of ignorance and complacency.
This is false. The whole article is filled with half truths. Your sources are misinformed. Kroger has made adjustments to all attendance policies as of a week ago so anything you have a printed copy of is outdated. If you want the real truth call the ufcw locals and get your information from them. Why are you trying to hurt us? All this will do is create more panic and distrust.
Jessica. Nothing you say here contradicts anything in the article. If you have more verifiable information about Kroger's policies, you can send them to me at judd@popular.info
I have a union contract in my hand negotiated by your self absorbed union minions. Where can I send you a copy asshole. Thankyou kroger for 36 great years with union benefits and absolutely the best health care anywhere for 10 bucks a week. My union dues cost more than health care ever cost me in 30 years. And I have multiple sclerosis. Thankyou Kroger for caring! Judd is a pud! Get a life!!!
Chuck if he is wrong provide the information you don't have to insult anyone, read the article it says you have to work 90 days before you receive sick leave, that being said no one should have to come to work sick and take the chance of getting others sick, that makes no good business sense and during these trying times I would think that Kroger being the good neighbor store that they are would waive the 90 days for the protection of its employees and customers don't you think? Is just good business policy.
I’m very glad Kroger doesn’t have any stores in my area if you are an example of a Kroger employee.
You make Judd’s point Jessica. “Kroger has made adjustments to all attendance policies as of a week ago”. Knock yourself out and keep on shopping but take precautions-or not. Since this was written, notice how this disease has spiked.
I believe you, Jessica and I will continue shopping at Kroger.
I don't know if this was published after a company wide email came out about sick leave, but Kroger is choosing to follow the paid two week leave if you are diagnosed with Covid-19. All you need is confirmation from your medical provider it public health authority that you just be placed under mandatory quarantine.
I love to crap on this company as much as the next person, but as soon as two associates in Seattle and Colorado we're diagnosed this information about the updated emergency sick leave policy was released.
Associates will receive up to 14 days paid time off. I never thought they would do anything and would force us to use vacation and personal time if we had it.
Surprisingly somebody stepped up and did the right thing.
All of this information was released on March 14th. Maybe an edit to the article is needed?
Considering the shortage of testing in this country and lack of access to proper medical care for most low-income workers, I would argue that not only is this address in the article but this is also not adequate enough.
If you don't want to go to work, don't. File for unemployment. I'm sure someone else would like to work and serve the community
Since the article is incorrect, so is you analysis
This email is referenced explicitly in the article.
This might be sufficient if we had rapid testing available but with 5-7 days needed to get results if you can even get tested that is, there goes half your time. Just saw on ABC news tonight(4/3)where a bus driver got coughed on and within 4 days he was dead. I’m not sure people outside the healthcare community understand how severe this virus is. That’s got to be the reason so many are thinking the fatality numbers are a joke being trumpeted by “the Dems”. Ignorance will kill anyone, not really caring what political party you belong to. So if you want to be stupid, please stay away from others; including nurses, docs, EMS workers. Any and all of those putting their lives at risk don’t need to be around your stupidity.
That's good to hear!
Some of the Kroger owned stores don't even have union contracts, those employees have no support or protection for their jobs. They can't even attempt to stay home to self quarantine, even if they technically qualify for it, they would likely face retribution for it later. They have been hiring new employees to deal with the customer traffic. The company could move to grocery pickup/clicklist, or at the very least waive the fees for those services to encourage using it, but they are instead continuing to encourage customers to crowd into the stores. They could place limits on the number of customers allowed in stores at one time, but they won't even take that step. This company has decided the only thing that matters is the money, not public health, and not the health of their associates. While many other employers have taken large steps to provide paid leave, and limit exposure, Kroger has done nearly nothing.
Some of the kroger owned stores? There are no franchises. Kroger owns them all. Union or not is up to the individual associates. Protection for a job is best preserved by doing a good job in the 1st place. The government will set the parameters about who and how many enter the stores. Many of the customers at my store do not drive, can't afford the delivery fee or the pick up fee. They only need a rew things. I've been with kroger for over 41 years, 25 union and the last 16 in management. This company has been feeding me even before I was born. My father worked for kroger as well. Both union and management as well.
Which stores would they be be, Nicole? Don't just make a generalization without providing sources.
Idk if that's true I know an employee that works their but he's not been to that at all. I know an employee that was sick in Feb for 4 days not including his 2 days off, they let him go. Their policy doesn't reflect the lip service they display for the public. Obviously if the public was important they employee would be as well. Because exposing the public to a known sick employee it's cool at all. They also have employees that are bitter and don't care, had one tell me it's not in the hand book so they don't wash their aprons because Kroger doesn't pay them enough. I said that's a health code violation, they said kroger should wash them. It's immature and dangerous, not to mention the lack of intelligence. I try not to shop there of I can help it. I certainly don't buy meats that they package or cut at the deli. I was told the older ppl wash their aprons, it figures a dying breed ppl with some dignity and respect, soon they'll all be gone.
I hope the government pays us for being out of work therefore we cannot take nobody is going to work and contaminating our family therefore I hope the government pays us for not working is crazy you got to decide into feeding your family or killing your family
I work for City Market, a kroger store in Colorado. My store has done everything it can to take care of its employees. If associates are sick they encourage them to stay home with no repercussions.
I'm a Kroger employee in AZ and you are told from the get go the sick pay policy. It's your decision to work a part time job and sick pay is just ONE of the downfalls. The Company has many issues but they do try to take care of their employees. I personally have over 120 hrs sick pay and two weeks paid vacation with an added 80 for personal time off. They also pay funeral/maternity pay. And I work a minimum of 40 hours a week to pay for it usually 50.
Just saying
And I should add that we were told today that they have changed their policy since the virus
Seriously? No part time worker anywhere gets paid sick time or benefits. So don't bash Kroger as if they are the only company who does this. Read your state's employment standards and that is what you get. If the company you work for pays and provides more than the standard then count yourself blessed.
Awesome point, DLK. You are obviously employed and understand how sick time and benefits works in terms of part-time workers. Those who don't have an understanding of it simply need to discuss with their employer or employed friends how it works. It's not rocket science.
I've been there 5 years and have 15 days of PTO I can use at the drop of a hat. Some of these people sound rather salty
Too salty for my pallet and I can usually take a lot of salt.