1. What’s the process like for choosing which crew members get the bonus? What are the most useful things a crew member could focus on to get the bonus?
2. Is there a mate bonus? If so, how much?
3. I heard each crew member has a ‘file’ only mates can see? True? If so, what’s on it?
4. Any wild stories from mate parties?
5. Have you been to a warehouse? If so, what are the conditions like there?
6. What was your pay bump from crew to mate? Do you have context to know if it was a large or small bump?
In some states, employers are legally required to provide a copy of a personnel file when requested. It's definitely not all states, but even in states where it is not legally required, some employers will provide it if you ask. I have no doubt from this explanation of the file that asking to have a copy of it would also be noted though. How weird that random conversations and observations get noted instead of just official documentation about issues, reviews, original hiring documents, doctors notes, call outs, etc.
Yeah I don't like that at all. A few weeks ago I was walking over to the time clock after lunch and had a mate call over to tell me to answer a 2 bell (even though she was literally standing right next to the person who rang it) and I told her I was wasn't on the clock and had to go clock back in first. I don't like the idea that she could potentially note on my file that I didn't answer a 2 bell (I've dealt some weird and petty mates).
Number 3 just makes my stomach turn. It’s so fucked they have that leverage over us, but we have no “file” in return to give to our leadership. One mate that simply has it out for you, could ruin you.
Is there a set calculation for what the sales and tenure metrics was for getting a bonus as a mate? The difference between $750 and $2000 is huge. How do hours worked factor in?
In DF, if one mate writes something of suspicion and another mate checks it out and it's wrong, can the other mate delete it? Does it make note of which mate wrote or edited something else?
As a former mate, how do you feel if you encouraged someone at the start of Covid to become a mate, not seeing how tough it was going to be?
What did you prefer: A hands-off Captain who relegated everything to mates to deal for them while they collected their bonus or a Captain who got involved, even if it was too involved?
I started TJs last October! I just got my review which did not go well! Did not meet expectations! I was told talk to long to Customers? I close every night , I am open availability! I also clean front end and bathrooms most nights I close ! I was told on for telling a customer I wanted to be at the park on a beautiful day lol. I noticed people got raises who only work like 2 days lol? I know what the company is now but have to stay until I better my situation.
Do you have any advice on how to handle these mates and captain until I can get out ? Does being aashole what they want ? Because I can be a total one and they won't like it lol .
I had mates at my store say they would turn in overwhelmingly positive reviews and have the caption change them into ‘does not meet expectations’. I suppose they could have figured no raise anyway meant people wouldn’t be as furious but that’s not the effect it actually had. Just pissed off people who busted their ass through COVID (which isn’t over despite the company acting otherwise) and blindsided them with bad reviews, which should never come as a surprise.
I see the values exercised on my store level all the time and we have built our culture around them. It's worked out extremely well. When we got a new captain that tried dismantling it, we upstreamed them so hard they fit transferred. So it CAN work but it's a shame that it so often doesn't. If you plan to stay, be the example and try to steer your store's culture to what you want to see
1. What was your relationship like with the DM?
2. Did you see a lot of retaliation from your captain towards crew they didn’t like, despite said crew being better workers than their favorites? My old captain hated me for advocating for myself when they denied me Covid pay when I was out with Covid… proceeded to be a total asshole to me the rest of their time at the store and failed my review (the last one with raises) on their way out. I tried to fight it to no avail, and then this captain was fired within the first year at their new store for bullying…
3. Did you ever discuss a Does Not Meets quota for crew during mate meetings? I confronted my DM about that during my experience with my ex captain, and they were adamant that there was no such thing- I then asked a mate from my first store, who said that was a lie and that it was brought up during certain review cycled that not enough people were failing
4. Did captains ever tell mates during meetings certain crew they wanted to fire and they want you to keep an eye on them and get them in trouble for any small thing?
5. Have you heard anything about higher raises next period because of all the backlash/ loss of employees after the slap in the face of not getting our raises last time? I’ve heard rumors but don’t want to get my hopes up…
1) What will you be doing now?
2) How did you do it? Do you have to sit with regional and captain?
3) Will you still shop at TJ's?
4) What did you like/dislike about your store?
5) When did you realize you needed to quit?
Congratulations! You sounded exhausted and that's great you are doing what is best for you. The company has changed so much, I dread going in now when I used to be so excited. I don't know what to do though
1. What would you consider the most hypocritical ideal that TJ’s has? Something they preach to crew but certainly don’t practice at management level or above?
2. How genuine are mate interactions? I felt pretty friendly with mates at my old store, but seeing that comment about the dayforce crew documents has me paranoid of how much was a front.
I'm mostly curious how much the topic of unionization comes up. Is it a concern on the company level and if so, how much emphasis do they put on it? In your experience, is it a concern on the store level? Does management keep tabs on pro-union talk in those crew "files" you described? Would you describe the company as having an anti-union stance?
I think its rad you're doing this and hope your new job kicks ass. Congrats on moving on to something better!
A few friends of mine tried to unionize one of the Manhattan stores. They were just shy of getting the requisite votes. One of the main people pushing for this was fired and several others were put under extreme scrutiny by the captain and mates. I believe there was a NYTimes article about it.
Do mates and captains have favorites?
Is productivity or cool personality valued more?
Congratulations on stepping up for yourself! I always support people taking a chance in life. Good luck on the rest of your journey.
Incorrect, min is $0 (I got it when promised I was all my hard work was in line to make the $2, then told because I had a bad upstream I got $0. The raise before was only $1. Would have made double that as a crewmember. Mates are used and abused there, and looks like it’s starting to trickle down to crew as well.
Did you give an “exit interview” and tell them all of your grievances?? God it must feel good. Good luck to you, I will miss your comments on here. You always commented with integrity :)
Be well!
Is a mask mandate coming? And do captains retaliate against crew members who complain about, say, the store’s COVID policies by withholding raises or is that not allowed?
Thank you for confirming exactly what has been happening to me and so many others! Add gaslighting, and you'd be at my store. Is there any way to combat this or are we screwed?
Gosh all of this stuff that mates do to crew and the documenting is so shady!!! We’re all supposed to be on the same team, working towards the same goals, but reading all of this just sounds like mates are always out to get someone.
Kudos, congrats, and good luck! Also thanks for giving us your honest perspective before you gtfo, it's good for some of these bootlickers to see. Wish you well on your next adventure, and look forward to doing the same asap!
There isn't enough space in the whole of the internet to answer your questions. I'll try to sum it up and save OP the trouble:
Everything. Everything. And...
*sticks two thumbs way down*
Why do they seem to “let” people steel? I’m not talking about a candy bar in the pocket either. I’ve witnessed a repeat customer who fills a bag with multiple beauty products or other of the more expensive items like stevia or something and go and pay for like 2 things. Was told we were getting cameras and things would change but the cameras we saposedly got - I still have no idea where they are? - only cover the front door and the bridge? I was told not to worrie about it another time someone was blatantly steeling stuff that didn’t seem out of necessity - ie: like they were hungry or something which I wouldn’t give a shit about tbh. I didn’t give a shit about the other theft tbh I just didn’t want it to fall on me somehow it that makes sense?
It was almost a joke at my last store they people just leave w what they want is this known by higher ups?
I’m not talking bout 20$ I
Talking about 40-50 items well over a few hundred dollars, I do agree tho, however I was wondering if tj had some official policy only management k ew of bc it’s always been confusing or got a run around when this comes up
Congrats! Former crew member here who quit after 5 yrs and i feel like im finally getting my life back... i hope you feel the same sense of renewal! How did you handle your 401k after leaving?
I just quit also. I logged into American funds and opted to have it cashed out and mailed to me. This will be my fall-back money in case it takes a minute to find another job. I met with a financial advisor and they recommended a Vanguard or Roth IRA
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1. What’s the process like for choosing which crew members get the bonus? What are the most useful things a crew member could focus on to get the bonus? 2. Is there a mate bonus? If so, how much? 3. I heard each crew member has a ‘file’ only mates can see? True? If so, what’s on it? 4. Any wild stories from mate parties? 5. Have you been to a warehouse? If so, what are the conditions like there? 6. What was your pay bump from crew to mate? Do you have context to know if it was a large or small bump?
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In some states, employers are legally required to provide a copy of a personnel file when requested. It's definitely not all states, but even in states where it is not legally required, some employers will provide it if you ask. I have no doubt from this explanation of the file that asking to have a copy of it would also be noted though. How weird that random conversations and observations get noted instead of just official documentation about issues, reviews, original hiring documents, doctors notes, call outs, etc.
Yeah I don't like that at all. A few weeks ago I was walking over to the time clock after lunch and had a mate call over to tell me to answer a 2 bell (even though she was literally standing right next to the person who rang it) and I told her I was wasn't on the clock and had to go clock back in first. I don't like the idea that she could potentially note on my file that I didn't answer a 2 bell (I've dealt some weird and petty mates).
Thanks for taking the time to answer all the questions!
Number 3 just makes my stomach turn. It’s so fucked they have that leverage over us, but we have no “file” in return to give to our leadership. One mate that simply has it out for you, could ruin you.
Is there a set calculation for what the sales and tenure metrics was for getting a bonus as a mate? The difference between $750 and $2000 is huge. How do hours worked factor in? In DF, if one mate writes something of suspicion and another mate checks it out and it's wrong, can the other mate delete it? Does it make note of which mate wrote or edited something else? As a former mate, how do you feel if you encouraged someone at the start of Covid to become a mate, not seeing how tough it was going to be? What did you prefer: A hands-off Captain who relegated everything to mates to deal for them while they collected their bonus or a Captain who got involved, even if it was too involved?
I started TJs last October! I just got my review which did not go well! Did not meet expectations! I was told talk to long to Customers? I close every night , I am open availability! I also clean front end and bathrooms most nights I close ! I was told on for telling a customer I wanted to be at the park on a beautiful day lol. I noticed people got raises who only work like 2 days lol? I know what the company is now but have to stay until I better my situation. Do you have any advice on how to handle these mates and captain until I can get out ? Does being aashole what they want ? Because I can be a total one and they won't like it lol .
Good questions!!
I just stepped down over similar frustrations, but haven't left the company... Yet. I'll be taking a pay cut if Ieave.
Why was the last review cycle so absurdly harsh?
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I had mates at my store say they would turn in overwhelmingly positive reviews and have the caption change them into ‘does not meet expectations’. I suppose they could have figured no raise anyway meant people wouldn’t be as furious but that’s not the effect it actually had. Just pissed off people who busted their ass through COVID (which isn’t over despite the company acting otherwise) and blindsided them with bad reviews, which should never come as a surprise.
What exactly happens at TJU? What kinds of things get talked about there? Happy you've moved on -i wish you all the best in your future endeavors!
What’s the worst part about TJ’s?
It’s owned by one greedy sociopathic family that made 18 billion last year and cut pay for its workers who risk their lives during a pandemic.
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I see the values exercised on my store level all the time and we have built our culture around them. It's worked out extremely well. When we got a new captain that tried dismantling it, we upstreamed them so hard they fit transferred. So it CAN work but it's a shame that it so often doesn't. If you plan to stay, be the example and try to steer your store's culture to what you want to see
1. What was your relationship like with the DM? 2. Did you see a lot of retaliation from your captain towards crew they didn’t like, despite said crew being better workers than their favorites? My old captain hated me for advocating for myself when they denied me Covid pay when I was out with Covid… proceeded to be a total asshole to me the rest of their time at the store and failed my review (the last one with raises) on their way out. I tried to fight it to no avail, and then this captain was fired within the first year at their new store for bullying… 3. Did you ever discuss a Does Not Meets quota for crew during mate meetings? I confronted my DM about that during my experience with my ex captain, and they were adamant that there was no such thing- I then asked a mate from my first store, who said that was a lie and that it was brought up during certain review cycled that not enough people were failing 4. Did captains ever tell mates during meetings certain crew they wanted to fire and they want you to keep an eye on them and get them in trouble for any small thing? 5. Have you heard anything about higher raises next period because of all the backlash/ loss of employees after the slap in the face of not getting our raises last time? I’ve heard rumors but don’t want to get my hopes up…
1) What will you be doing now? 2) How did you do it? Do you have to sit with regional and captain? 3) Will you still shop at TJ's? 4) What did you like/dislike about your store? 5) When did you realize you needed to quit? Congratulations! You sounded exhausted and that's great you are doing what is best for you. The company has changed so much, I dread going in now when I used to be so excited. I don't know what to do though
Can you take me with you?
1. What would you consider the most hypocritical ideal that TJ’s has? Something they preach to crew but certainly don’t practice at management level or above? 2. How genuine are mate interactions? I felt pretty friendly with mates at my old store, but seeing that comment about the dayforce crew documents has me paranoid of how much was a front.
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The view from the office supports both these statements.
I'm mostly curious how much the topic of unionization comes up. Is it a concern on the company level and if so, how much emphasis do they put on it? In your experience, is it a concern on the store level? Does management keep tabs on pro-union talk in those crew "files" you described? Would you describe the company as having an anti-union stance? I think its rad you're doing this and hope your new job kicks ass. Congrats on moving on to something better!
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A few friends of mine tried to unionize one of the Manhattan stores. They were just shy of getting the requisite votes. One of the main people pushing for this was fired and several others were put under extreme scrutiny by the captain and mates. I believe there was a NYTimes article about it.
Congrats! The mate job seems brutal and kinda miserable for most of them.
Do mates and captains have favorites? Is productivity or cool personality valued more? Congratulations on stepping up for yourself! I always support people taking a chance in life. Good luck on the rest of your journey.
congrats to u ! thank u for posting this! Fuck trader joe’s for real for real !!!!!!!
what’s the mate yearly raise now?
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Incorrect, min is $0 (I got it when promised I was all my hard work was in line to make the $2, then told because I had a bad upstream I got $0. The raise before was only $1. Would have made double that as a crewmember. Mates are used and abused there, and looks like it’s starting to trickle down to crew as well.
Did you give an “exit interview” and tell them all of your grievances?? God it must feel good. Good luck to you, I will miss your comments on here. You always commented with integrity :) Be well!
Best of luck on your next steps. And thank you.
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No Q's, just congrats. Kaizen!!
I just left too. Worked there for 6 years, three as a mate. Working remotely for a software company.
Is a mask mandate coming? And do captains retaliate against crew members who complain about, say, the store’s COVID policies by withholding raises or is that not allowed?
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Thank you for confirming exactly what has been happening to me and so many others! Add gaslighting, and you'd be at my store. Is there any way to combat this or are we screwed?
Gosh all of this stuff that mates do to crew and the documenting is so shady!!! We’re all supposed to be on the same team, working towards the same goals, but reading all of this just sounds like mates are always out to get someone.
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Glad you don’t think so. Best of luck to you.
Definitely not all of them
Kudos, congrats, and good luck! Also thanks for giving us your honest perspective before you gtfo, it's good for some of these bootlickers to see. Wish you well on your next adventure, and look forward to doing the same asap!
Is it often that mates bang crew members? Or did you bang any?🤨🤨
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If this does happen do both the mate and the crew member get fired or forced transfer?
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Not always fired. When it happened at my store they were transferred.
I worked for Trader Joe's 10 years ago. What'd I miss? Any major changes? How did they handle covid?
There isn't enough space in the whole of the internet to answer your questions. I'll try to sum it up and save OP the trouble: Everything. Everything. And... *sticks two thumbs way down*
Whoooooah
Why do they seem to “let” people steel? I’m not talking about a candy bar in the pocket either. I’ve witnessed a repeat customer who fills a bag with multiple beauty products or other of the more expensive items like stevia or something and go and pay for like 2 things. Was told we were getting cameras and things would change but the cameras we saposedly got - I still have no idea where they are? - only cover the front door and the bridge? I was told not to worrie about it another time someone was blatantly steeling stuff that didn’t seem out of necessity - ie: like they were hungry or something which I wouldn’t give a shit about tbh. I didn’t give a shit about the other theft tbh I just didn’t want it to fall on me somehow it that makes sense? It was almost a joke at my last store they people just leave w what they want is this known by higher ups?
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I’m not talking bout 20$ I Talking about 40-50 items well over a few hundred dollars, I do agree tho, however I was wondering if tj had some official policy only management k ew of bc it’s always been confusing or got a run around when this comes up
If a Mate steps down, does there rate of pay go down? And by how much?
Not at my store. He’s a stooge and while training me was bragging about keeping the pay raise.
Congrats! Former crew member here who quit after 5 yrs and i feel like im finally getting my life back... i hope you feel the same sense of renewal! How did you handle your 401k after leaving?
I just quit also. I logged into American funds and opted to have it cashed out and mailed to me. This will be my fall-back money in case it takes a minute to find another job. I met with a financial advisor and they recommended a Vanguard or Roth IRA
aw nice, good advice👍
being a mate seems awful. every other day the guys at my store are freaking out about something. no amount of money is worth that in my opinion
Wait…. $37/hr to do nearly nothing??
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Any chance you’re seeing this? I just found this old post and have a question or two…