Central IL Kroger (Peoria, East Peoria, Bartonville, Canton) - Grocery Stock Crew 3rd Shift
Pros
Opportunities for advancement if willing to work hard. Generally flexible with nights you need off, just don't expect to have weekends off or even 2 days off in a row. Kroger has a more "laid back" feeling than some bigger stores (Wal-mart) with smaller crew of less than 8 men. You feel as if you have accomplished more than if you were 1 of 30 stockers. Benefits are really good when they kick in, you just have to wait a long time for them.. 18 months for personal insurance.. 5 years for family. After a year you also get an entire week of vacation and 3 personal days.
Cons
Low pay. Really low. Minimum wage (8.25) plus .50 night differential and no hope of getting above minimum wage as a new hire. You need to work for 5, yes 5 years to get family insurance. Union job, so seniority applies for many issues such as available hours, vacation scheduling, and advancement. You can try to get a head clerk position after a year and jump to 12+ dollars, but it depends on job openings and who you are running up against. Note: We are up for a new contract with Kroger. So many things could change, but they drug out the last contract for a few years after it ended, so it may take a year or to for that. (this is my hope)
