Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
ASSOCIATE
HANDBOOK
Publication Date: 01/06/2017
YOUR ASSOCIATE HANDBOOK ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM
_______________________________________ ____________________________________
Associate (print name) Associate’s Signature
_______________________________________ ____________________________________
Personnel Number Position
_______________________________________ ____________________________________
Date Store Number or Department Name
This form must be completed by all new associates during the orientation process and
current associates who work in South Carolina anytime the handbook changes.
Send the signed copy of this acknowledgment to the Personnel Records department.
01/06/2017
Contents
Chapter 1: About Publix ......................................................................................... 1-1
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 1-1
In this chapter .................................................................................................................................. 1-1
About Publix ........................................................................................................................................... 1-2
What it means to be an associate ................................................................................................... 1-2
Our Mission Statement .................................................................................................................... 1-2
Owners don’t need unions .............................................................................................................. 1-2
Our commitment to improvement .................................................................................................... 1-2
You’re a customer ........................................................................................................................... 1-3
Our history ....................................................................................................................................... 1-3
Customer Service ................................................................................................................................... 1-4
What we expect from you ................................................................................................................ 1-4
The Publix Guarantee ..................................................................................................................... 1-4
Carryout Service.............................................................................................................................. 1-4
Communication ....................................................................................................................................... 1-4
How we communicate ..................................................................................................................... 1-5
About Your Associate Handbook .................................................................................................... 1-7
Associate Voice Survey (AVS) ........................................................................................................ 1-7
Our Open Door Policy ..................................................................................................................... 1-8
Our Formal Complaint Procedure (FCP)......................................................................................... 1-8
Profanity .......................................................................................................................................... 1-9
Taking pictures and videos ............................................................................................................. 1-9
Recording conversations ................................................................................................................. 1-9
Publix phones .................................................................................................................................. 1-9
Personally owned communication devices ..................................................................................... 1-9
Talking to the media ........................................................................................................................ 1-9
Solicitation by associates .............................................................................................................. 1-10
Social media guidelines ................................................................................................................ 1-10
Advancement Opportunities ................................................................................................................. 1-12
Our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy........................................................................ 1-12
Diversity ......................................................................................................................................... 1-12
Promotions .................................................................................................................................... 1-13
Retail Selection System ................................................................................................................ 1-13
Distribution Supervisor Selection System ..................................................................................... 1-13
01/06/2017 Contents i
Contents, Continued
ii Contents 01/06/2017
Contents, Continued
Chapter 4: Compensation ...................................................................................... 4-1
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 4-1
In this chapter .................................................................................................................................. 4-1
General Information About Compensation ............................................................................................. 4-2
Publix’s compensation philosophy .................................................................................................. 4-2
Your pay and pay deductions .......................................................................................................... 4-2
Your pay .......................................................................................................................................... 4-3
Pay for multiple benefits .................................................................................................................. 4-3
How absences affect a salaried associate’s pay and sick pay quota ............................................. 4-4
Bereavement, jury duty, and vacation pay ...................................................................................... 4-4
Retail Bonus Plan ................................................................................................................................... 4-5
What’s the Retail Bonus Plan? ........................................................................................................ 4-5
When are you eligible for the bonus?.............................................................................................. 4-5
What’s the bonus based on? ........................................................................................................... 4-5
Holiday Bonus Pay ................................................................................................................................. 4-6
About holiday bonus pay ................................................................................................................. 4-6
Definitions ........................................................................................................................................ 4-6
Holiday bonus for part-time associates ........................................................................................... 4-7
Holiday bonus for full-time hourly-paid associates .......................................................................... 4-7
Holiday bonus for weekly salaried associates (including salaried Pharmacists) ............................ 4-8
Holiday bonus for monthly-paid associates..................................................................................... 4-9
Holiday bonus advances ............................................................................................................... 4-10
Holiday bonus pay and employment separations ......................................................................... 4-10
Holiday Pay .......................................................................................................................................... 4-11
About holiday pay .......................................................................................................................... 4-11
Premium pay ................................................................................................................................. 4-11
Publix-paid holidays ...................................................................................................................... 4-11
Holiday pay .................................................................................................................................... 4-12
When are you eligible for holiday pay? ......................................................................................... 4-12
Exchanging holidays ..................................................................................................................... 4-13
Sick Pay ................................................................................................................................................ 4-14
About sick pay ............................................................................................................................... 4-14
How is sick pay accumulated? ...................................................................................................... 4-14
Returning to a full-time position from a part-time position............................................................. 4-14
When are you eligible for sick pay? .............................................................................................. 4-14
Payment of benefits....................................................................................................................... 4-14
Sick pay quotas ............................................................................................................................. 4-14
FMLA quotas ................................................................................................................................. 4-15
Sick pay and maximum time off without leave .............................................................................. 4-15
Absences approved for sick pay ................................................................................................... 4-15
Absences not approved for sick pay ............................................................................................. 4-15
Sick pay and leaves for an associate’s own serious health condition .......................................... 4-16
Sick pay and FMLA for the birth of a child .................................................................................... 4-16
Sick pay and work-related injuries or illnesses ............................................................................. 4-16
Tuition Reimbursement ........................................................................................................................ 4-17
What’s the Tuition Reimbursement Program? .............................................................................. 4-17
Approved areas of study ............................................................................................................... 4-17
Eligibility requirements for the general program ........................................................................... 4-17
Eligibility requirements for the graduate program ......................................................................... 4-18
What does Publix reimburse? ....................................................................................................... 4-18
Additional information .................................................................................................................... 4-18
Chapter 6: Time Away From Work and Leaving the Company .............................. 6-1
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 6-1
In this chapter .................................................................................................................................. 6-1
General Information About Leaves of Absence ..................................................................................... 6-2
How absences affect you ................................................................................................................ 6-2
What’s a leave of absence? ............................................................................................................ 6-2
Maximum time off without leave ...................................................................................................... 6-2
What leaves are available at Publix? .............................................................................................. 6-3
How do you request a leave? .......................................................................................................... 6-3
Maintaining your benefits while on leave ........................................................................................ 6-4
Keeping management informed about your status during leave .................................................... 6-4
Medical certification ......................................................................................................................... 6-4
Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) ......................................................................................................... 6-5
About Family and Medical Leave .................................................................................................... 6-5
How FMLA absences affect you ..................................................................................................... 6-5
Federal FMLA poster....................................................................................................................... 6-6
Reasons that may be FMLA qualifying ........................................................................................... 6-7
When are you eligible for FMLA Leave? ......................................................................................... 6-8
Serious health condition .................................................................................................................. 6-9
Are you paid while on FMLA Leave? .............................................................................................. 6-9
Returning to work ............................................................................................................................ 6-9
Disability Leave .................................................................................................................................... 6-10
About Disability Leave ................................................................................................................... 6-10
Coordinating Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) with Disability Leave ........................................ 6-10
Qualifying reason for Disability Leave ........................................................................................... 6-10
When are you eligible for Disability Leave? .................................................................................. 6-10
Are you paid while on Disability Leave?........................................................................................ 6-11
Returning to work .......................................................................................................................... 6-11
iv Contents 01/06/2017
Contents, Continued
01/06/2017 Contents v
Contents, Continued
vi Contents 01/06/2017
Chapter 1: About Publix
Introduction
This chapter provides some general information about Publix and our history. It also provides information
on our expectations from you regarding customer service, how we communicate (and what we expect
from you regarding communication) and advancement opportunities.
In this chapter
This chapter contains the following topics.
You’re a customer
As a Publix associate, you’re also a customer yourself. We encourage you to take advantage of Publix’s
quality, value, and excellent customer service and to shop at Publix. Our sales and profits directly affect
our ability to continue to offer great benefits and competitive pay rates.
Our history
Your Company — Publix — is one of the largest employee-owned companies in the country. It all began
when our founder, George W. Jenkins (affectionately referred to as Mr. George), opened his first small
store in Winter Haven, FL in 1930. He believed in pleasing the customer by offering superior customer
service, quality products, and immaculately clean stores. He also believed in taking care of his
associates, and he created what we now know as the “Publix culture”. The values and philosophies
established by George Jenkins are still in place and serve as the foundation for our mission of being the
premier quality food retailer in the world.
In the… We…
1930s opened our first store in Winter Haven, FL.
1940s opened a state-of-the-art “food palace,” which included features never seen before in
a grocery store, including art deco architecture, automatic doors, air conditioning,
piped-in music, and fluorescent lighting.
1950s built a 125,000 square foot grocery warehouse in Lakeland, FL, and established our
slogan, “Where Shopping is a Pleasure.”
1960s opened an office and distribution center in Miami and our first deli, as well as
established a profit sharing plan and allowed associates to buy stock to become
Publix owners.
1970s opened stores and a distribution center in Jacksonville, FL; opened a bakery plant and
produce distribution center in Lakeland, FL; and started an employee stock ownership
plan and began contributing stock on behalf of associates.
1980s introduced checkout scanning and our first pharmacy, and we opened distribution
centers in Boynton Beach and Sarasota, FL.
1990s opened stores in Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina and we made our inaugural
®
appearance on the prestigious list of FORTUNE’s 100 Best Companies to Work for in
America.
th
2000s entered the Tennessee market and celebrated our 1000 store opening.
th
2010s celebrated our 80 anniversary and entered the North Carolina market.
Carryout Service
Carryout service is our policy. Associates who work in our stores are not permitted to accept tips.
Communication
Method Description
Publix The place where Publix News, Newswires, and other information is made
Communication available for you.
Centers
Publix Connection An intranet website primarily used by retail management and support
associates only.
Publix Emergency A toll-free number for information about store or location openings and
InfoLine closings, and when and where you should report to work when an
emergency (for example, a hurricane) occurs. The number is 877-PUBLIX1
(877-782-5491).
During an emergency (disruption of business), Publix may activate this line
for associates to obtain information. Once the line is activated, you can call it
from any location, 24 hours a day. You will have to enter your personnel
number to access the system and receive information.
Note: You should not call this number unless you need information about
an actual emergency that could affect your location.
Publix Ethics Line If you believe something is wrong or have a concern about how we are
operating at your location, call the Publix Ethics Line. The toll-free number is
1-866-747-3773.
Note: Calls will be handled in a confidential manner. You do not need to
identify yourself unless you want to.
Publix News Publix's monthly newsletter that is available at your Publix Communication
Center. Contact Corporate Communications in Lakeland about story ideas or
comments; they look forward to hearing from you. (Information on how to
contact Corporate Communications is published in each issue.) Publix News
online, including archived issues, is available on www.publix.org. Look for
the Publix News online logo for stories that have exclusive online content.
You can also submit ideas through our online publication.
Publix News Live Accessible from publix.org, Publix News Live takes one Publix News story
each month and brings it to life. Look for the Publix News Live logo,
indicating which story will appear in a video format in each edition of Publix
News. An archive of video stories also is available.
Publix Newswire News sent via e-mail to keep you up to date. This is available at your Publix
Communication Center.
publix.com An Internet website primarily used by customers.
publix.org and An Internet page that provides links to various websites for different Publix
m.publix.org associate programs and offerings. It also provides a link to PASSport, Publix
News online and Publix News Live videos.
Summary of the Publix has adopted a Code of Ethics outlining our core values. You will
Code of Ethics receive a Summary of the Code of Ethics and we encourage you to review it
so you know what's expected of you.
The Summary of the Code of Ethics is also found on PASSport > Other
Resources (at the top of the site).
Note: Important information you should know is located near the Communication Center at your
location. Your location may also have an area where you can view information related to career
opportunities or other topics that may interest you.
Profanity
Associates are often offended by profanity and the use of profanity may result in an uncomfortable work
environment. We discourage the use of profanity in any work environment, and we won’t tolerate it in
front of customers!
Recording conversations
Finding out, to your surprise, that someone has secretly made a tape recording of a conversation you
thought was private can be an upsetting experience. In many states, making secret tape recordings is a
crime. In the interest of openness, Publix prohibits unauthorized secret audio or video recordings of
private conversations by any associate.
Publix phones
Publix telephones should be used for business purposes so the lines are available for customers to reach
our stores, or for work-related questions. You are encouraged to make personal calls during non-work
time using your personally owned communication device when possible. Excessive personal usage may
result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Your location may have a policy concerning
the use of Publix telephones at work. See your manager for details.
Solicitation by associates
Publix respects our right to our individual beliefs, opinions, memberships and associations, and
encourages the sharing of ideas and opinions among associates. As long as we abide by Publix’s Rules
of Unacceptable Conduct (see page 3-18) and don’t neglect our work responsibilities, we may share
opinions, seek support for organizations that we support, discuss wages and other terms and conditions
of employment, and engage in similar activities with other associates at any time. However, work must
come first. Solicitation (presenting yourself to another associate and asking for some kind of participation
or support for an organization or a cause) should never interfere with our customers' shopping
experience, the work of the associate doing the solicitation, or the associate being solicited. Therefore,
we must insist on the following three limitations on your solicitation of other associates:
• You must not disturb or interfere with the shopping experience of our customers or business
operations. (For example, a Cashier should never try to obtain support for an organization or cause
from a Front Service Clerk while ringing up a customer's order.)
• You may not solicit for commercial purposes on company premises. (Solicitation for commercial
purposes means solicitation for the sale of merchandise or services for a personal profit.)
• You may not distribute literature at any time for any purpose in work areas.
Diversity
Publix believes that a diverse workforce is good for all of us, and good for business. You may have heard
the saying, “it’s like comparing apples to oranges.” Just think how much better the world is, to have both
apples and oranges! Or to think of it another way, if everyone were exactly like me, who would I ever
learn anything from? It takes working with people of diverse backgrounds, and with different points of
view, for an associate to grow and see the world in new ways. At Publix, our diversity strategy contains
initiatives designed to attract talented associates from diverse backgrounds and provide environments
where similarities and differences in our associates are utilized to achieve organizational goals and
objectives. We believe that diversity helps us as individuals and helps our business be the best it can be!
In 1993, in keeping with these beliefs, Publix adopted a Voluntary Affirmative Action and Community
Involvement Plan that called for the development of race and gender goals for advancement of qualified
female and minority candidates. Consistent with our commitment to promote from within, we’re dedicated
to using our best efforts to ensure that the associate make-up in identified positions resembles the pool of
associates interested and eligible for those positions. We are proud of this plan because it doesn’t
contain artificial quotas and doesn’t favor any one group of associates over others. Rather, it’s designed
to preserve the freedom of choice of all qualified associates; its goals are designed to fairly reflect the
gender and race of those who are qualified and interested in moving into management.
Promotions
We’ve always believed in promoting qualified associates who already work for us. In fact, most of the
associates in key positions at Publix started in entry-level positions. Current associates often have the
first opportunity to move into vacant positions. Doing your job well can get you noticed as someone who
may be able to handle additional responsibilities. Managers are always looking for associates they feel
can be successful. If you’re interested in transferring or being promoted to another position, be sure to let
your manager know and ask what you need to do to be considered. You might have to follow a process
of registering your interest for a specific position to be considered.
You can view job openings in support areas on the Internet at www.publix.jobs/support. You’ll need to
use your PASSport username and password to sign in and view the openings. Openings are only posted
as long as Publix is actively seeking candidates. This may only be a couple of days, so if you find
something that interests you, you should act quickly. You can apply for a position from a home computer.
You’ll need an e-mail address to apply. Be sure to notify your current manager if you’re interested in
applying for a position.
Introduction
This chapter provides information about employment records and scheduling.
In this chapter
This chapter contains the following topics.
Breaks
Breaks allow you to relax and enable you to return to work more refreshed. Depending on the length of
your shift and the work needs of your department, you’re normally given at least one short rest break —
and in some areas, a break every four hours. These breaks are scheduled to meet the business needs of
the department. And you get paid for the time — they’re “on-the-clock.”
If you work in a store and are scheduled for five hours or more, or you work a full shift in a support area,
you’re given a meal break of at least 30 minutes, usually in the middle of your shift. All associates who
use a time clock must clock out for meal breaks. (This doesn’t apply to a retail manager who is acting as
the manager-in-charge, or is the only manager in the store.)
Generally, associates should not take their meal breaks in work areas (for example, the pharmacy,
produce back room, production areas, or the associate’s normal work area). This will help to ensure that
associates do not inadvertently engage in “off-the-clock” work while on break.
Meal breaks aren’t paid — they’re “off-the-clock.” See your manager for the specific break policy in your
area.
Introduction
This chapter provides information about what we expect from you regarding conduct.
In this chapter
This chapter contains the following topics.
Personal appearance
Cleanliness is a must in the food industry. Publix expects associates to present a clean, neat, and
professional appearance, regardless of what area they work in. Customers expect this as well.
Specific uniform or dress requirements are established for each business area of Publix. See your
manager for the requirements established in your area.
Housekeeping
We’re known for our clean stores and facilities. Customers expect us to maintain our standard for
cleanliness in all of our business areas. Help us maintain this standard by cleaning up after yourself,
picking up items that are lying on the floor, and cleaning up spills on the floor. Our motto is: Don’t pass it
up…pick it up. Good housekeeping helps keep you organized and everyone safe.
Only First Aid Responders (FARs) designated by Publix or local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are
authorized to respond to medical emergencies and coordinate the cleanup of blood, any body fluids
containing visible blood, or hazardous waste.
Never clean up spills involving these substances, unless directed by a designated FAR. If you see an
area that contains these substances that needs to be cleaned up and you aren’t authorized to clean it up,
you must inform a manager or FAR.
Associates under 18 years of age are not permitted to clean up any areas containing visible blood,
hazardous waste, vomit or feces. However, these associates are permitted to perform clean-up duties in
the store or restroom provided there is no visible vomit or feces and the cleaning substances used do not
violate the hazardous occupational limitations.
Violence
We believe that each of us should be able to work in a safe and secure environment. In order to maintain
such an environment, associates are not permitted to bring the following items into any Publix building,
1
company vehicle, meeting or function:
• any type of firearms (whether loaded or not)
2
• explosives and
4
• any objects or substances carried for the purpose of harming or threatening others.
45
In order to further maintain a safe and secure environment, Publix will not tolerate any assault, threat of
injury, or act of violence towards any individuals. This includes
• hitting, pushing or kicking
• obstructing, restraining, or blocking the movement of another person in order to injure, threaten, or
anger the other and
• making statements which threaten physical harm or are intended to anger an individual.
Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
Reporting situations:
To report acts of violence, or threats of violence, associates should inform their manager. Associates can
also use the Partners in Profit (PIP) Line to report such situations. The toll-free number is (866) PIP-3773
or (866) 747-3773.
Dealing with situations:
If you encounter an armed or dangerous customer or fellow associate, follow these guidelines:
• Remain calm. Any sudden movement may startle the individual.
• Don’t resist, argue with, threaten, or touch the individual.
• Comply with the individual’s demands and ask others to do the same.
• If you can notify a manager or the police for help without jeopardizing your safety or the safety of
other associates and customers, be sure to do so.
1
This policy also applies to temporary workers who are employed by a designated employment agency
and assigned to perform work for Publix as well as contractors and vendors selected to perform work or
services for Publix. Violations of this policy may result in termination of the temporary worker’s,
contractor’s or vendor’s services and/or the company’s services for Publix.
2
If a firearm is permitted in a vehicle on company property according to state law (such as in Florida), it
must be out-of-sight and locked in the vehicle.
3
Associates are permitted to bring items or equipment to work for use on the job, if authorized by Publix.
4
These items are also not permitted in parking lots surrounding Publix buildings.
5
An associate who feels it’s necessary to carry pepper spray for personal protection to and from the
building may bring this onto the property as long as it is secured in a locker or an associate’s purse while
the associate is working. The pepper spray cannot be carried with the associate or in the associate’s
pocket when he or she is working.
01/06/2017 Your Associate Handbook 3-3
Safety, Continued
Communication devices
Communication devices can cause distractions, interfere with your work, and create a safety hazard to
you and others. You’re never permitted to use communication devices for work or personal reasons
• when operating Publix equipment (for example, forklifts, cranes or mixers, etc.)
• to read, type or send text messages or e-mails or access the Internet when driving any vehicle for
Publix business or
• in any other situation when conducting Publix business where operation of your communication
device detracts from the attention required of you to perform any given task safely.
Your location may have a policy concerning the use of communication devices. See your manager for
details.
Smoking
Publix’s smoking policy applies to all smoking products, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars and
pipes, as well as products such as “electronic cigarettes” that are inhaled and emit a vapor, mist or gas.
Smoking isn’t permitted inside any of our buildings or any of our company vehicles (including trailers).
If there is an area designated for smoking outside a store or facility, smoking is only permitted in this area.
You’re not allowed to smoke on the sidewalk in front of our stores. The parking lot and other areas
around our buildings are designed for the convenience of our customers, associates, and guests, and
must be kept attractive and available for their use. Associates should never throw cigarette butts or any
other garbage on the ground.
If you smoke, be sure to abide by any restrictions established at your location regarding smoking.
Parking
If you work in a store, you can’t park in spots close to the entrance while the store is open. We like to
keep these spots available for customers. Exceptions to this rule may exist for associates with
disabilities, or prior to a store’s opening or closing to ensure your security. Regardless of what area you
work in, you can only park in authorized spaces.
If you work at a store and are scheduled to work before the store opens, you should wait in your vehicle
until another associate arrives at the store. Never enter the store alone. If you’re leaving the store after
dark (especially after the store is closed), you should exit the store in pairs. You may want to ask the
manager for an escort if another associate is not leaving the store at the same time. You shouldn’t
remain in the parking lot or near the store after it is closed. If you notice a suspicious individual(s)
following you home, you should call the police immediately if you have a cell phone or go to the nearest
fire station or a well-lit public area and call the police.
Publix is not responsible for anything that happens to your vehicle in the parking lot, so if you park there
make sure you lock your vehicle.
No-Conflict Policy
Publix is a family-oriented company and, while we encourage associates to recruit family members and
friends to work with us, we want to avoid problems that may arise as a result of these associates working
together. For this reason, we’ve established a No-Conflict Policy. This policy applies to associates
related by birth, marriage, or adoption. It also applies to associates who may be romantically,
emotionally, or physically involved, which we refer to as “friends.”
If practical, we don't usually allow a friend or relative to be in a direct supervisory role over another friend
or relative. Management will consider alternative arrangements to resolve a situation if a problem
regarding this policy arises. In addition, alternative arrangements may be necessary if there is a
perception of bias or favoritism (or any other conflict) in the workplace, even if no reporting relationship is
present.
If you’re involved in a relationship that has the potential to create a conflict and you work in a store, let
your Store Manager, District Manager or Associate Relations Specialist know immediately so that
arrangements can be considered to avoid any potential issues. If you work in a support location, let your
Department Manager, Department Head or Associate Relations Specialist know.
Prohibited conduct
The following conduct is strictly prohibited:
• selling or distributing any drug, including a prescription drug, whether on or off duty, unless the
associate is legally authorized to sell or distribute the substance in question under the circumstances
• possessing any illegal drug on Publix premises at any time
1
• drinking alcohol while on the job or reporting to work under the influence of alcohol.
Note: If you’re taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs, you must ensure that the use of the drugs
does not affect your performance or your ability to perform assignments safely. If you feel such
drugs may affect your performance, safety, or the safety of others, you should share these
concerns with your manager, Associate Relations Specialist, or a representative of the
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) department so that accommodations may be considered.
Testing program
Because Publix is committed to maintaining safe work environments, all associates (including managers)
are subject to testing at any time. Associates are subject to random tests for drugs and follow-up tests,
as well as tests based on suspicion of drug or alcohol use.
The fact that you’re asked to submit a sample for testing does not necessarily mean you’re suspected of
abusing any substance. Tests are performed at a location chosen by Publix’s EAP department.
An associate who refuses to submit to testing will be terminated.
Note: Associates who are required to have a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for their job
are subject to certification, recertification, and return-to-duty tests (as well as the tests explained
above), consistent with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
Seeking help
If you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, we’d much rather you seek help than hide it. Our policy is
designed to encourage associates with drug and alcohol problems to come forward voluntarily (this is
2
known as a voluntary admission) and seek help. Unless the admission is considered an unacceptable
result (for more information, see the next page), an associate who makes a voluntary admission will not
be disciplined for seeking help. An associate may be counseled or disciplined for job performance
problems if his or her work performance was affected, but not simply for seeking help.
1
This includes out-of-date or expired prescription drugs, prescription drugs prescribed for someone else,
or current prescription drugs not used according to the prescription. Medications over 24-months old are
considered out-of-date when prescribed on an as-needed basis.
2
Voluntarily seeking help does not include when an associate comes forward in anticipation of being drug
tested (for example, a random drug test or test for reasonable suspicion), after a sample has been
submitted but before the results are known, or after a manager has discussed suspicions of drug or
alcohol use with the associate.
3-10 Your Associate Handbook 01/06/2017
Substance Abuse and Personal Issues, Continued
Unacceptable results
The following are considered unacceptable results:
• positive for drugs or alcohol
• diluted or adulterated (tampered)
• unsuitable
• temperature not within range
• subsequent (second or third, etc.) voluntary admissions for drugs and
• involuntary admission of drug or alcohol use.
1
A probationary associate whose result is considered unacceptable within his or her initial 90-days will immediately
be terminated.
01/06/2017 Your Associate Handbook 3-11
Substance Abuse and Personal Issues, Continued
Ethics
At Publix, we are committed to conducting our business with the highest standards of integrity. Our
associates, customers, stockholders, suppliers and communities expect us to uphold high standards of
ethical behavior. Publix has adopted a Code of Ethics (the “Code”) outlining our core values. The Code
includes many guidelines for doing the right thing, but no simple set of rules will address every situation.
Good choices require thoughtful evaluation and sound judgment.
Each associate will receive a Summary of the Code of Ethics. We encourage you to review it so you
know what's expected of you, as well as all associates.
When trying to determine whether an issue is in violation of Publix’s policies, laws, or the Code, try using
the following test.
Ethics Quick Test
• Is the action legal? (Check with the Corporate Legal Department if you’re not sure.)
• Does it comply with our values?
• If you do it, will you feel bad?
• How will it look in the media, online or in the newspaper?
If you know it’s wrong, don’t do it! If you’re not sure, ask. Keep asking until you get an answer.
Honesty
Honesty is one of the greatest qualities you can possess, and at Publix we expect absolute honesty from
each other. While not all of us handle cash transactions, all of us are responsible for goods, materials or
equipment of value in some way or another. The trust we place in you is based on complete confidence
in your integrity. Any act of dishonesty may result in discipline or you losing your job. Always remember
that it’s not only important to be honest, but to appear honest as well, to set an example for others.
What’s shrink?
Shrink is the difference between the value or price of the items we have in our stores, and the amount or
value that the store receives for those items. For example, we expect to sell a can of baby formula for
$12.49 (the value/price). If it’s stolen, we can’t even collect a penny for it. This results in a shrink loss of
$12.49. Now, imagine that one can is stolen from your store every day. That would add up to $4521.38 a
year. If you multiply that number by all of our stores, it adds up to almost five million dollars a year!
You should realize that not all shrink is caused by theft. Some other causes of shrink include
• damaged items (for example, items that cannot be sold at their retail value because they are dented
or broken)
• pricing errors (for example, selling an item at a price lower than the price established by Publix) and
• spoilage (for example, doughnuts that become stale).
Preventing shoplifting
Publix, like most retailers, suffers tremendous losses due to shoplifting. Paying attention to customers'
actions makes them aware of your presence and discourages them from shoplifting. Regardless of what
business area you work in, we encourage you to help us in preventing shoplifting when you’re working or
shopping in our stores.
If you work in a store and are “on-the-clock,” you should approach shoplifting suspects within the store
and ask them if they need assistance or help finding an item (if you’re able to do so without neglecting a
customer). If you don’t work in a store or do work in a store and are “off-the-clock,” contact a manager
immediately. Only managers or Loss Prevention Officers are permitted to approach a shoplifting suspect
and question him or her about the merchandise.
Associate theft
Most associates are honest, dedicated, hardworking individuals, whose goals are to make Publix a better
place to work. However, losses due to theft by employees exist in every company, including Publix. A
few examples of situations that may be considered theft, which you may not be aware of are
• consuming or taking product that should be returned for credit (this includes damaged, out-of-date, or
unsaleable items)
• taking samples or display items without authorization
• consuming or taking saleable product without paying for it
• giving items to a friend or family member without ringing them up, or taking items that have not been
properly recorded and paid for
• taking product (including Deli sandwiches, drinks, and magazines) from the sales floor to the break
room without paying for it
• intentionally recording or reporting work time that results in you (or another associate) being paid for
time not worked
• giving or receiving an unauthorized discount on product and
• taking any property that does not belong to you (for example, lost and found items or items that
belong to associates or customers).
Any associate removing Publix property from a Publix store or facility must have authorization for removal
from his or her manager. Any package or container that is being brought into or removed from a Publix
store or facility is subject to inspection by managers or other authorized personnel.
Purchases
Regardless of which business area you work in, the following apply to purchases in our stores:
• All purchases are to be made “off-the-clock” or while on approved breaks.
• Purchases must be taken out the front door unless you’re consuming the merchandise within the
store or are specifically authorized by a manager to leave by another door.
• You must have a valid receipt for all of your purchases. Receipts must be obtained before any
products are used, consumed, taken outside of the store or taken to the break room.
• You must pay the price that Publix has established for your purchases. You’re not permitted to
discount merchandise or accept discounted merchandise unless the merchandise is discounted by
Publix or Publix management. Associates may only purchase discounted merchandise from
alternative venues located in our stores without violating Publix’s purchase policy, as long as the
same merchandise at the same discounted price is available for all customers to purchase.
Alternative venues are companies that provide services or sell products via leased or fee-based
spaces inside our stores (for example, sushi bars or Chinese Cuisine).
• Retail associates are not permitted to record (ring up) their own purchases, unless using a register
designed for self-checkout.
• Retail associates are not permitted to record (ring up) the purchases of their family. This rule was
established to remove associates from suspicion. Retail associates should carefully consider
whether ringing up the purchases of a close friend(s) would appear suspicious as well.
Any package or container that is being brought into or removed from a Publix store or facility is subject to
inspection by managers or other authorized personnel.
Introduction
This chapter provides information on compensation.
In this chapter
This chapter contains the following topics.
Your pay
Hourly associates are paid once a week (usually Thursday or Friday, depending on their work location).
See your manager or trainer for details. Salaried associates are paid either weekly or monthly. Some
salaried associates are paid on a weekly basis due to state or local regulations. Examples include District
Managers, Regional Directors, Retail Improvement Specialists and other salaried associates who would
normally be paid on a monthly basis but are paid weekly because they work in the Miami division or
Tennessee.
Associates hired on or after 04/01/2010 will be required to participate in direct deposit. Using direct
deposit can save you a lot of time and hassle. With direct deposit, your entire pay is deposited into up to
three accounts at up to three financial institutions. For more information, see your manager or trainer.
If your employment is separated before you’re paid for your last day of work and you participated in direct
deposit, the pay amount will be direct deposited into your account and the final pay statement will be
mailed to your last known address on file. If you did not participate in direct deposit, the final paycheck
with statement will be mailed to your last known address on file. Publix will attempt to recover any
wages/benefits overpaid to you from your last pay before it is issued. However, if overpayments are
discovered after the last pay is issued, you're responsible for reimbursing Publix and you will be billed for
the overpayment. Before you leave, you should ensure your information is correct in PASSport and print
any W-2s, pay statements, and Retirement Benefits Summaries you need now and in the future. You will
not have access to PASSport after your separation date.
How absences affect a salaried associate’s pay and sick pay quota
The following table provides information on how salaried associate’s pay and sick pay quotas are affected
by absences. For more information on sick pay quotas, see page 4-14.
1
For Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, this is the first 40 hours of
absence from work following and related to the injury or illness. For Alabama, this is the first 24 hours of
absence from work following and related to the injury or illness.
2
Managers can grant personal time off considering the associate’s work performance, impact on current
work or projects, business needs of the store or department or their ability to attend meetings or
workshops, number of total hours the associate has been working or has worked in the past (if the
associate is working his or her target hours), and nights and weekends the associate has worked to
ensure deadlines were met. For monthly-paid associates, the associate’s manager can grant personal
time off for the reasons explained above before the associate has used all of his or her vacation time.
Weekly salaried associates must use their vacation time before taking personal time off for the reasons
explained above.
3
A monthly-paid associate’s pay will also be prorated for military service (for full-week absences only).
4-4 Your Associate Handbook 01/06/2017
Retail Bonus Plan
• overtime pay
• pharmacy premium pay and
• premium pay for working on a Sunday or holiday.
1
Pharmacists and Pharmacy Interns are also eligible for the Retail Bonus Plan. Part-time pharmacists
and Pharmacy Interns are eligible after completing at least one full year of continuous service, and
working 1,000 hours in the preceding 12 months.
2
Publix intends to review the calculation of the retail bonus as conditions change and has the discretion
to change the calculation of the bonus at any time.
3
Work-through vacation pay is not included.
01/06/2017 Your Associate Handbook 4-5
Holiday Bonus Pay
Definitions
The terms below are important to understanding how Publix’s Holiday Bonus Pay Policy works. These
terms will be used throughout this section.
Holiday Bonus Allotment: The maximum amount an associate is eligible to receive, based on his or her
part-time or full-time date (or adjusted full-time date) and pay category. (Example: a full-time hourly-paid
associate has an allotment of 80 hours of holiday bonus for his third full calendar year of full-time service
— and is eligible to earn up to that much that year.)
Holiday Bonus Accumulation: The actual amount of holiday bonus that an time associate is eligible to
receive.
Holiday Bonus Accrual Date: The date an associate receives his or her accumulated holiday bonus
allotment, if still employed in the same status and pay category. (No holiday bonus is actually accrued
until the bonus is issued. The associate must remain employed in the same status and pay category
through the accrual date.)
1
The holiday bonus is taxed at a higher supplemental tax rate. The holiday bonus is paid out at the
associate’s regular rate of pay when the check is issued.
4-6 Your Associate Handbook 01/06/2017
Holiday Bonus Pay, Continued
1
These figures are based on a 5-day workweek for weekly salaried associates.
2
This excludes associates who are only paid on a weekly basis due to state or local regulations (for
example, District Managers, Regional Directors, Retail Improvement Specialists and other salaried
associates who would normally be paid on a monthly basis but are paid weekly because they work in the
Miami division or Tennessee).
4-8 Your Associate Handbook 01/06/2017
Holiday Bonus Pay, Continued
1
These figures are based on a 5-day workweek.
2
This includes associates who are only paid on a weekly basis due to state or local regulations (for
example, District Managers, Regional Directors, Retail Improvement Specialists and other salaried
associates who would normally be paid on a monthly basis but are paid weekly because they work in the
Miami division or Tennessee).
3
A portion of the bonus is allotted to the associate when he or she is hired (or moved to monthly-paid
during the year he or she is hired). The number allotted is based on the number of months of full-time
service the associate will have as of December 31, using his or her hire or status change date.
01/06/2017 Your Associate Handbook 4-9
Holiday Bonus Pay, Continued
1
This includes associates who are only paid on a weekly basis due to state or local regulations (for
example, District Managers, Regional Directors, Retail Improvement Specialists and other salaried
associates who would normally be paid on a monthly basis but are paid weekly because they work in the
Miami division or Tennessee).
4-10 Your Associate Handbook 01/06/2017
Holiday Pay
Premium pay
If you’re an hourly-paid associate, you’ll be paid $1.00 per hour in addition to your regular hourly rate for
1
hours worked on Publix-paid holidays. The purpose of this benefit is to reward associates who work on
Publix-paid holidays.
The following example demonstrates how premium pay is calculated.
Sam Smith is a full-time associate who earns $9.00 per hour. Sam worked 40 hours during the week
(including 8 hours on a holiday). Sam’s weekly pay is calculated in the following manner:
Publix-paid holidays
Publix-paid holidays are
• New Year’s Day (January 1)
• Memorial Day
• Fourth of July
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day and
• Christmas Day.
1
Associates hired before 01/01/1986 are paid at a time-and-one-half rate for hours worked on Sundays or
Publix-paid holidays if they are in an hourly-paid position. Associates hired or rehired 01/01/1986 through
12/31/2009 will receive $1.00 extra per hour for hours worked on Sundays or Publix-paid holidays if they
are in an hourly-paid position.
01/06/2017 Your Associate Handbook 4-11
Holiday Pay, Continued
Holiday pay
Holiday pay will be paid to associates in their regular pay and the pay statement will reflect that holiday
pay was issued during the pay week. The following table explains how eligible associates are paid for
Publix-paid holidays, based on their status.
Status Explanation
Part-time Part-time associates do not receive holiday pay.
Full-time Full-time associates receive eight hours holiday pay calculated at their
regular hourly rate.
Salaried Salaried associates do not receive any additional pay as they are paid
for the entire week (if they work any portion of the week), including the
1
holiday.
For information on adjustments for short-term rehires and returns to full-time status for the purpose of
determining eligibility for holiday pay, see pages 6-26 and 6-30.
1
A salaried associate’s pay will be prorated in certain circumstances (for example, during the week hired
or separated or for specific absences). For more information, see How absences affect a salaried
associate’s pay and sick pay quota on page 4-4.
4-12 Your Associate Handbook 01/06/2017
Holiday Pay, Continued
Exchanging holidays
Exchanging a holiday means that associates can use the holiday for another day off (before or after the
holiday, during the same calendar year) instead of taking the actual holiday off or receiving the pay for the
holiday during the holiday week.
Associates can exchange the following holidays (with their manager's approval):
• New Year’s Day (January 1)
• Memorial Day
• Fourth of July and
• Labor Day.
The following rules apply to exchanging holidays.
• Hourly-paid associates:
• Associates can submit an electronic Time Off Request (TOR) in PASSport prior to the holiday to
exchange (save) the holiday for another day off in the same calendar year.
• Associates must work at least 50% of their schedule on the actual holiday to exchange it for
another day off.
• Holidays must be exchanged in order (for example, an hourly-paid associate can't exchange his
or her Fourth of July holiday before using the Memorial Day holiday).
• Associates must have completed 90 days of continuous service prior to the holiday and be an
active associate.
• If associates receive an advance of holiday pay before it is earned, such payment constitutes an
advance against their pay. If an associate’s employment ends before the holiday pay is earned,
the advance may be recovered from his or her wages. If full recovery is not possible, the
associate is responsible for paying the remaining amount back to Publix.
• Salaried associates:
• All salaried associates: Salaried associates should inform their manager if they're exchanging
a holiday for another day off.
• Salaried Pharmacists: These associates can't exchange a holiday because the Pharmacy
department is closed on all Publix-paid holidays.
• Store Managers, Assistant Store Managers and department managers:
• Store Managers, Assistant Store Managers and department managers work many Publix-
paid holidays since stores are open four of the holidays. Store Managers, Assistant Store
Managers and department managers who work New Year’s Day (January 1), Memorial Day,
Fourth of July or Labor Day can take another day off during the same calendar year with their
1
manager’s approval.
• Store Managers, Assistant Store Managers and department managers must submit a TOR
when saving a holiday and then submit another TOR when taking the saved holiday.
• Publix is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, so these days can’t be exchanged for
another day off. However, Store Managers, Assistant Store Managers and department
1
managers can take another day off (with their manager’s approval ) if they work 50 hours or
more during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday weeks. (If the manager approves a day
off for working Christmas week, the Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager and department
managers can take the day off during the following year, if necessary.)
• Salaried associates in support: These associates can exchange a holiday if they work at least
five hours on the actual holiday and obtain approval from their manager. Salaried associates in
support do not have to complete a TOR or exchange holidays in consecutive order.
1
The Store Manager should get verbal approval from the District Manager and the Assistant Store
Manager and department managers should get approval from the Store Manager.
01/06/2017 Your Associate Handbook 4-13
Sick Pay
Payment of benefits
Sick pay for approved absences will be the number of hours or days the associate was scheduled (or
would have been scheduled, if not sick) and absent from work. Sick pay will be paid to associates in their
regular pay and the pay statement will reflect that the associate received sick pay. For information on
how paid time off (PTO) benefits are combined if more than one benefit is used during a workweek, see
page 4-3.
FMLA quotas
If you’re eligible for FMLA, your FMLA quota will be reduced for the number of hours or days you are
scheduled (or would have been scheduled) and absent from work. This is based on the number of hours
you’re absent, regardless of whether you were paid sick pay for the absence.
1
The preparation day for a colonoscopy is also covered.
2
Routine appointments are those in which diagnosis or treatment normally lasts less than two hours,
does not require general anesthesia, and are not for reconstructive surgery due to an accident or illness.
The two hours does not include travel time or time spent waiting for the appointment.
3
The associate may be eligible for FMLA Leave if it is for a family member with a serious illness, but is
not eligible to receive sick pay. See Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) on page 6-5 for more information.
4
For Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, this is the first 40 hours of
absence from work following the work-related injury or illness. For Alabama, this is the first 24 hours of
absence from work following the work-related injury or illness.
01/06/2017 Your Associate Handbook 4-15
Sick Pay, Continued
Sick pay and leaves for an associate’s own serious health condition
An associate with accumulated sick pay who is on an approved leave of absence (excluding workers’
compensation) for his or her own serious health condition must use his or her sick pay, if eligible.
Note: Medical certification (or appropriate medical documentation) including a release to return to work
(if not covered by the initial documentation provided) is required for absences related to a
serious health condition or absences due to your own illness for more than three consecutive,
full calendar days. It is also required for intermittent time off requests for a serious health
condition.
1
For Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, this is the first 40 hours of
absence from work following and related to the injury or illness. For Alabama, this is the first 24 hours of
absence from work following and related to the injury or illness.
4-16 Your Associate Handbook 01/06/2017
Tuition Reimbursement
1
Courses must be taken during non-working hours.
01/06/2017 Your Associate Handbook 4-17
Tuition Reimbursement, Continued
Note: The entire tuition reimbursement amount is subject to income taxes. Federal and state income
tax withholding (if applicable) and Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA taxes) will be
deducted from tuition reimbursement funds. Federal income tax will be withheld at a 25%
supplemental income tax withholding rate. The gross amount of tuition reimbursement funds will
be included in Box 1 of Form W-2.
Additional information
For additional information, see Tuition Reimbursement on www.publix.org at Career and Self
Development > Tuition Reimbursement. For questions, contact your manager or the Tuition
Reimbursement department at (863) 688-7407, extension 55999.
1
“Established career path” is the natural progression for an associate within his or her current business
area.
4-18 Your Associate Handbook 01/06/2017
Chapter 5: Your Benefits
Introduction
At Publix, we want to help you use your talents to stand out from the crowd both at work and in your
personal life. Through our benefits, we give you the tools you need to grow and succeed in both areas.
Every plan and program we offer is designed for you to make the most of your potential.
Here we provide information on the benefits offered to you by Publix. These benefits are periodically
evaluated and may be modified or amended by Publix at any time. For detailed information, please refer
to the Summary Plan Descriptions in your Associate Benefits Book and to the Summaries of Material
Modifications that are sent when changes are made to your benefits.
In this chapter
This chapter contains the following topics.
PROFIT Plan
Publix saves for your future! We do this through the Publix PROFIT Plan, which is a retirement plan that
we provide to eligible associates. PROFIT stands for Publix People Reach Our Future Investing
Together. Each year, Publix may make a contribution of Publix stock to the plan accounts of eligible
associates who work at least 1,000 hours during their anniversary year. This helps you prepare for a
financially secure retirement while owning a part of our company. Associates are sent information at their
work location after receiving their first company contribution to the plan.
Full-time and part-time associates are automatically enrolled in the plan after one year of service in which
they work at least 1,000 hours. Please refer to your Associate Benefits Book for detailed information. If
you have questions, please call the Retirement department at (863) 688-7407, extension 52327, or toll-
free at 1-800-741-4332 (if calling from outside of Lakeland).
Health Plan
Health insurance can keep you healthy! That’s because our Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS)
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plan offers you and your family free preventive health care
benefits each year. These free preventive benefits include an annual physical, well woman visit, well
child visits, preventive care lab work, mammogram, prostate screening and more. Publix offers
comprehensive medical and prescription benefits at an affordable cost through BCBS’s extensive network
of doctors and hospitals.
Full-time associates can join the plan after 90 days of continuous full-time service. Part-time associates
can join the plan upon the completion of one year of continuous employment with Publix with at least
1,500 work credit hours in that first year of continuous employment or a subsequent calendar year (Jan.
— Dec.). Please refer to your Associate Benefits Book for detailed information. If you have questions,
please call the Group Benefits department at (863) 688-7407, extension 52280, or toll-free at 1-800-741-
4332 (if calling from outside of Lakeland).
Dental Plan
A friendly smile shows your customers that you’re eager to provide them with Publix premier service, and
good dental care is an important part of maintaining your health. That’s why we help you protect your
smile! Our dental plan offers coverage for preventive, basic and major services. Orthodontic benefits
also are available in most areas.
Full-time and part-time associates can join the plan after 90 days of continuous service. Please refer to
your Associate Benefits Book for detailed information. You also can visit www.personal-plans.com/publix
from a home computer. When you first visit the Personal Plans website, you need your eight-digit Publix
personnel number. Be sure to enter any leading zeros in your personnel number. You should be able to
access the Personal Plans website within your first two weeks of joining Publix.
Vision Plan
The benefits are clear! Publix knows your sight is very important, so we offer you and your family vision
care benefits at an affordable premium. Eye exams and glasses or contact lenses are covered through a
broad network of private practice and retail optical providers to best meet your needs.
Full-time and part-time associates can join the plan after 90 days of continuous service. Please refer to
your Associate Benefits Book for detailed information. You also can visit www.personal-plans.com/publix
from a home computer. When you first visit the Personal Plans website, you need your eight-digit Publix
personnel number. Be sure to enter any leading zeros in your personnel number. You should be able to
access the Personal Plans website within your first two weeks of joining Publix.
Discount Program
Do we have some great deals for you! Through the Publix Personal Plans Discount Program, you and
your family can receive exclusive discounts and special offers on a variety of goods and services. So if
you’re thinking about buying a new or used car or truck, buying a new computer, securing a new or
refinanced home mortgage, taking a trip and needing hotel or travel accommodations, going to a dinner
show or the movies, visiting a theme park, having your taxes prepared or doing some online shopping, be
sure to check out the Discount Program first.
Full-time and part-time associates are eligible to participate immediately upon hire. For more information,
please visit www.beneplace.com/publix from a home computer. When you first visit the Personal Plans
website, you need your eight-digit Publix personnel number. Be sure to enter any leading zeros in your
personnel number. You may need to allow pop-ups in your Internet browser and/or modify your Internet
security settings to access some of the discount providers. You should be able to access the Personal
Plans website within your first two weeks of joining Publix.
Service awards
At Publix, we value your years of service! We recognize your continuous service every five years.
Awards are presented to 5-, 10-, and 15-year associates at luncheons. Associates with 20 years of
service or more are recognized at dinner celebrations and receive their awards prior to the celebration.
When you’re eligible for a service award, Associate Services will send information to you at your work
location. For more information, talk with your manager or contact Associate Services at (863) 688-7407,
extension 54144.
Note: For information on adjustments to service award dates for short-term rehires, see pages 6-26 and
6-30.
Cafeteria
Have lunch on us! If there is a cafeteria at or nearby the support facility in which you work (Distribution,
Industrial Maintenance, Manufacturing, and Office), you can get a free meal each day you work.
Introduction
We know it’s important for you to take time off from work for many reasons. However, we hope that you
enjoy your job so much you won’t ever want to leave us for good. This chapter explains our policies that
allow you to take time away from work or leave the company and come back (if you’re eligible and meet
the requirements).
In this chapter
This chapter contains the following topics.
1
Approved time away from work due to vacation (taken under Publix’s Vacation Policy) or a work-related
injury at Publix does not count toward the 30-calendar day time away from work maximum.
6-2 Your Associate Handbook 01/06/2017
General Information About Leaves of Absence,
Continued
1
Immediate family members are defined on page 6-16.
2
If leave is needed to care for a spouse, son, daughter, or parent who is a service member with a serious
injury or illness incurred in the line of covered active duty in the Armed Forces, you may be able to take
up to 26 weeks in one single 12-month period (12 months from the date the leave begins).
01/06/2017 Your Associate Handbook 6-3
General Information About Leaves of Absence,
Continued
Medical certification
If you take a leave of absence for your own serious health condition or are absent due to your own illness
for more than three consecutive, full calendar days, you will be required to provide your manager with
medical certification or appropriate medical documentation, including a release to return to work (if not
covered by the initial documentation provided).
• For FMLA Leave, you must provide appropriate medical documentation upon expiration of the initial
certification, when you request an extension, when circumstances regarding the certification change
substantially or every six months, whichever is earlier.
• For Disability Leave, you must provide appropriate medical documentation upon expiration of the
initial certification or every twelve weeks, whichever is earlier.
Medical certification or appropriate medical documentation may be required for absences of three
consecutive, full calendar days or less. These decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, but we’ll be
sure to let you know in these situations whether medical certification or appropriate medical
documentation is required before you return to work.
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) prohibits Publix from requesting or
requiring genetic information of associates or their family members. In order to comply with this law,
Publix asks that associates not provide any genetic information when responding to requests for medical
information. Genetic information includes an associate’s family medical history, the results of an
associate’s or family member's genetic tests, the fact that an associate or his or her family member
sought or received genetic services, and genetic information of a fetus carried by an associate or his or
her family member or an embryo lawfully held by an associate or family member receiving assistive
reproductive services.
1
FMLA Leave needed to care for a spouse, son, daughter, or parent who is a service member with a
serious injury or illness incurred in the line of covered active duty in the Armed Forces may be taken for
up to 26 weeks (combined with other FMLA Leave) in one single 12-month period (12 months from the
date the leave begins).
01/06/2017 Your Associate Handbook 6-5
Family and Medical Leave (FMLA), Continued
Federal FMLA poster
Below is a copy of the Federal poster that explains our responsibilities (as well as yours) regarding the
FMLA. A copy of this is posted at your work location (see the General Notice to Employees: Federal
Posting Requirements poster). The rest of this section explains Publix's FMLA policy which meets all of
the Federal requirements.
EMPLOYEE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT
Basic Leave Entitlement Subject to certain conditions, the continuing treatment requirement may
FMLA requires covered employers to provide up to 12 weeks of be met by a period of incapacity of more than 3 consecutive calendar
unpaid, job-protected leave to eligible employees for the following days combined with at least two visits to a health care provider or one
reasons: visit and a regimen of continuing treatment, or incapacity due to
• for incapacity due to pregnancy, prenatal medical care or pregnancy, or incapacity due to a chronic condition. Other conditions
child birth may meet the definition of continuing treatment.
• to care for the employee’s child after birth, or placement for Use of Leave
adoption or foster care An employee does not need to use this leave entitlement in one block.
• to care for the employee’s spouse, son, daughter or parent, Leave can be taken intermittently or on a reduced leave schedule when
who has a serious health condition or medically necessary. Employees must make reasonable efforts to
• for a serious health condition that makes the employee schedule leave for planned medical treatment so as not to unduly disrupt
unable to perform the employee’s job. the employer’s operations. Leave due to qualifying exigencies may also
Military Family Leave Entitlements be taken on an intermittent basis.
Eligible employees whose spouse, son, daughter or parent is on Substitution of Paid Leave for Unpaid Leave
covered active duty or call to covered active duty status may use Employees may choose or employers may require use of accrued paid
their 12-week leave entitlement to address certain qualifying leave while taking FMLA leave. In order to use paid leave for FMLA
exigencies. Qualifying exigencies may include attending certain leave, employees must comply with the employer’s normal paid leave
military events, arranging for alternative childcare, addressing policies.
certain financial and legal arrangements, attending certain Employee Responsibilities
counseling sessions, and attending post-deployment reintegration Employees must provide 30 days advance notice of the need to take
briefings. FMLA also includes a special leave entitlement that FMLA leave when the need is foreseeable. When 30 days notice is not
permits eligible employees to take up to 26 weeks of leave to care possible, the employee must provide notice as soon as practicable and
for a covered service-member during a single 12-month period. A generally must comply with an employer’s normal call-in procedures.
covered servicemember is: (1) a current member of the Armed Employees must provide sufficient information for the employer to
Forces, including a member of the National Guard or Reserves, determine if the leave may qualify for FMLA protection and the
who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation or therapy, is anticipated timing and duration of the leave. Sufficient information may
otherwise in outpatient status, or is otherwise on the temporary include that the employee is unable to perform job functions, the family
disability retired list, for a serious injury or illness*; or (2) a veteran member is unable to perform daily activities, the need for hospitalization
who was discharged or released under conditions other than or continuing treatment by a health care provider, or circumstances
dishonorable at any time during the five-year period prior to the supporting the need for military family leave. Employees also must
first date the eligible employee takes FMLA leave to care for the inform the employer if the requested leave is for a reason for which
covered veteran, and who is undergoing medical treatment, FMLA leave was previously taken or certified. Employees also may be
recuperation, or therapy for a serious injury or illness. required to provide a certification and periodic recertification supporting
**The FMLA definitions of “serious injury or illness” for the need for leave.
current servicemembers and veterans are distinct from the Employer Responsibilities
FMLA definition of “serious health condition”. Covered employers must inform employees requesting leave whether
Benefits and Protections they are eligible under FMLA. If they are, the notice must specify any
During FMLA leave, the employer must maintain the employee’s additional information required as well as the employees’ rights and
health coverage under any “group health plan” on the same terms responsibilities. If they are not eligible, the employer must provide a
as if the employee had continued to work. Upon return from reason for the ineligibility.
FMLA leave, most employees must be restored to their original or Covered employers must inform employees if leave will be designated as
equivalent positions with equivalent pay, benefits, and other FMLA-protected and the amount of leave counted against the
employment terms. employee’s leave entitlement. If the employer determines that the leave
Use of FMLA leave cannot result in the loss of any employment is not FMLA-protected, the employer must notify the employee.
benefit that accrued prior to the start of an employee’s leave. Unlawful Acts by Employers
Eligibility Requirements FMLA makes it unlawful for any employer to:
Employees are eligible if they have worked for a covered • interfere with, restrain, or deny the exercise of any right provided
employer for at least 12 months, have 1,250 hours of service in under FMLA and
the previous 12 months*, and if at least 50 employees are • discharge or discriminate against any person for opposing any
employed by the employer within 75 miles. practice made unlawful by FMLA or for involvement in any
*Special hours of service eligibility requirements apply to proceeding under or relating to FMLA.
airline flight crew employees. Enforcement
Definition of Serious Health Condition An employee may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor or
A serious health condition is an illness, injury, impairment, or may bring a private lawsuit against an employer.
physical or mental condition that involves either an overnight stay FMLA does not affect any Federal or State law prohibiting discrimination,
in a medical care facility, or continuing treatment by a health care or supersede any state or local law or collective bargaining agreement
provider for a condition that either prevents the employee from which provides greater family or medical leave rights.
performing the functions of the employee’s job, or prevents the FMLA section 109 (29 U.S.C. § 2619) requires FMLA covered
qualified family member from participating in school or other daily employers to post the text of this notice. Regulation 29 C.F.R. §
activities. 825.300(a) may require additional disclosures.
1
This leave may be taken on an intermittent or reduced-schedule basis.
2
With management’s approval, this leave may be taken on an intermittent or reduced-schedule basis.
3
For questions about these circumstances, see your manager or contact your Associate Relations
Specialist.
4
In limited circumstances, associates who are not a spouse, son, daughter or parent of the seriously
injured service member are eligible for leave provided they are the nearest blood relative (referred to as
“next of kin”).
01/06/2017 Your Associate Handbook 6-7
Family and Medical Leave (FMLA), Continued
Returning to work
When you’re ready to come back to work, you’ll be returned to the same or an equivalent job, with the
same pay, benefits, hours, and shift preferences, etc. You’ll also automatically qualify for continuation of
health, dental, long-term disability (LTD), vision and supplemental life insurance coverage, without having
to re-meet the plan’s eligibility requirements if you were eligible or enrolled before the leave.
Medical certification or appropriate medical documentation will be required for all absences related to
your own serious health condition or if you are absent due to an illness for more than three consecutive,
full calendar days. (If the original documentation provided is not expired or your situation has not
changed substantially, you won’t have to submit medical documentation again.) Medical certification may
be required for absences of three consecutive, full calendar days or less. These decisions are made on a
case-by-case basis, but we’ll be sure to let you know in these situations whether medical certification or
appropriate medical documentation is required before you return to work.
Returning to work
When you’re ready to come back to work, we’ll do our best to return you to the same or an equivalent job,
with the same pay, benefits, hours, and shift preferences, etc.
Medical certification or appropriate medical documentation will be required for all absences related to
your own serious health condition or if you are absent due to an illness for more than three consecutive,
full calendar days. (If the original documentation provided is not expired or your situation has not
changed substantially, you won’t have to submit medical documentation again.) Medical certification may
be required for absences of three consecutive, full calendar days or less. These decisions are made on a
case-by-case basis, but we’ll be sure to let you know in these situations whether medical certification (or
appropriate medical documentation) is required before you return to work.
Definitions
The following table provides some definitions that are important to understanding this section.
Term Definition
Domestic Any assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault,
violence sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or
any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of one family or
household member by another family or household member.
Family or • spouses or former spouses
household • persons related by blood or marriage
members
• persons who are presently residing together as if a family or who have
resided together in the past as if a family and
• persons who are parents of a child in common regardless of whether they
have been married.
Note: With the exception of persons who have a child in common, the family
or household members must currently reside in the same single dwelling
unit or must have resided together in the past in the same single
dwelling unit.
Sexual violence Any sexual assault, sexual battery or any criminal offense of a sexual nature
resulting in physical injury or death by anyone.
State/County Payment
• Florida (excluding Dade Eligible associates are paid for the number of hours they miss
and Broward counties) from work due to jury duty, provided this does not cause them to
• Georgia be paid for more than 40 hours for the week.
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Alabama Associates are paid for the number of hours they missed from
• Florida (Dade and Broward work due to jury duty, as well as the number of hours they
counties only) worked for the week. If the total time spent performing jury duty
and working is more than 40 hours, associates are paid their
• Tennessee
regular hourly rate for the jury duty hours over 40.
Note: For information on adjustments for short-term rehires and returns to full-time status for the
purpose of determining eligibility for jury duty pay, see pages 6-26 and 6-30.
1
Salaried associate’s pay will be prorated in certain circumstances (for example, during the week hired or
separated or for specific absences). For more information, see How absences affect a salaried
associate’s pay and sick pay quota on page 4-4.
01/06/2017 Your Associate Handbook 6-15
Bereavement Leave
1
When a pregnancy is lost at 20 weeks or later.
6-16 Your Associate Handbook 01/06/2017
Military Service
About vacations
Publix provides paid vacation time off to eligible full-time associates each calendar year. The amount of
paid vacation time offered to eligible associates is based on your full-time date (or adjusted full-time date),
length of continuous full-time service and pay category (hourly or salaried). The purpose of vacation is to
encourage a healthy work/life balance and allow you time off from work for rest and relaxation and/or to
take care of personal situations that arise each year.
Definitions
The terms below are important to understanding Publix’s Vacation Policy. These terms will be used
throughout this section.
Vacation Allotment: The maximum amount of vacation time a full-time associate is eligible to take,
based on his or her full-time date (or adjusted full-time date) and pay category. (Example: a full-time
hourly-paid associate has an allotment of 80 hours of vacation time for her first full calendar year of
continuous full-time service — and is eligible to take that much time off that calendar year.)
Vacation Accumulation: The actual amount of vacation time that a full-time associate is eligible to
receive.
Vacation Accumulation Date: The date an associate is credited with a portion of his or her vacation
allotment, if still employed in the same status and pay category.
1
These figures are based on a 5-day workweek.
2
This excludes associates who are only paid on a weekly basis due to state or local regulations (for
example, District Managers, Regional Directors, Retail Improvement Specialists and other salaried
associates who would normally be paid on a monthly basis but are paid weekly because they work in the
Miami division or Tennessee).
6-20 Your Associate Handbook 01/06/2017
Publix’s Vacation Policy, Continued
1
These figures are based on a 5-day workweek.
2
This includes associates who are only paid on a weekly basis due to state or local regulations (for
example, District Managers, Regional Directors, Retail Improvement Specialists and other salaried
associates who would normally be paid on a monthly basis but are paid weekly because they work in the
Miami division or Tennessee).
3
A portion of the 10 days is allotted to the associate when he or she is hired (or moved to monthly-paid
during the year he or she is hired). The number allotted is based on the number of months of full-time
service the associate will have as of December 31, using his or her hire or status change date.
01/06/2017 Your Associate Handbook 6-21
Publix’s Vacation Policy, Continued
1
Salaried associate’s pay will be prorated in certain circumstances (for example, during the week hired or
separated or for specific absences). For more information, see How absences affect a salaried
associate’s pay and sick pay quota on page 4-4.
6-22 Your Associate Handbook 01/06/2017
Publix’s Vacation Policy, Continued
• Work-through vacations are considered a bonus and are taxed at a higher rate, like the holiday
bonus.
• Work-through vacations cannot be requested through a Prior Period Adjustment (PPA).
1
This includes associates who are only paid on a weekly basis due to state or local regulations (for
example, District Managers, Regional Directors, Retail Improvement Specialists and other salaried
associates who would normally be paid on a monthly basis but are paid weekly because they work in the
Miami division or Tennessee).
2
This excludes associates who are only paid on a weekly basis due to state or local regulations (for
example, District Managers, Regional Directors, Retail Improvement Specialists and other salaried
associates who would normally be paid on a monthly basis but are paid weekly because they work in the
Miami division or Tennessee).
01/06/2017 Your Associate Handbook 6-23
Publix’s Vacation Policy, Continued
1
This includes associates who are only paid on a weekly basis due to state or local regulations (for
example, District Managers, Regional Directors, Retail Improvement Specialists and other salaried
associates who would normally be paid on a monthly basis but are paid weekly because they work in the
Miami division or Tennessee).
6-24 Your Associate Handbook 01/06/2017
Time Off for Voting
Sick pay
Since part-time associates are not eligible to receive sick pay, full-time associates who are moved to part-
time normally lose their accumulated sick pay. However, full-time associates who were full-time for an
entire year, moved to part-time, and then returned to a full-time position within six months (182 days),
without a break in service, will receive a credit to their sick pay quota immediately upon their return to a
full-time position. The amount of the credit will be the number of hours of accumulated sick pay in their
quota as of the date they transferred to a part-time position, up to a maximum of 80 hours. These
associates can begin to use their sick pay hours immediately upon return to full-time status.
Who’s covered?
All associates who experience a work-related injury or illness and have a compensable injury or illness
are covered by workers’ compensation.
1
For Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, this is the first 40 hours of
absence from work following and related to the work-related injury or illness. For Alabama, this is the first
24 hours of absence from work following and related to the work-related injury or illness.
01/06/2017 Your Associate Handbook 6-27
Leaving the Company
Employment at will
This handbook is not a contract of employment. Your employment at Publix is “at will.” This means that
while Publix hopes you continue working for the company, you, or Publix, may terminate your
employment at any time.
Publix generally believes in coaching and counseling associates in order to improve their performance or
behavior. However, just as you have the freedom to decide to leave Publix at any time, based on
individual circumstances, Publix reserves the right to terminate associates without prior coaching,
counseling, or warnings in its discretion. You’re not guaranteed employment at Publix for any specific
period of time, including the specified period of time required to be eligible for any benefits.
If you leave…
If you decide to leave us, we ask that you give us as much notice as possible so that we can find
someone to fill your position. Before you leave, you should ensure your information is correct in
PASSport and print any W-2s, pay statements, and Retirement Benefits Summaries you need now and in
the future. You will not have access to PASSport after your separation date.
1
In lieu of completing the form, the former associate may file a Discharge Review electronically by e-
mailing responses to the questions on the form to DRadmin@publix.com. Instructions on how to file the
Discharge Review electronically are provided on the Notice of Discharge.
6-28 Your Associate Handbook 01/06/2017
Leaving the Company, Continued
1
Associates receive an administrative payout from the Publix PROFIT Plan if they are 62 years of age or
older or have an account balance of $1,000.00 or less.
2
If an associate successfully appeals the ineligible status, he or she may be considered for rehire after
the one-year waiting period (from the employment separation date) has passed. Former associates may
begin the appeal process by contacting the Personnel Records department up to two months prior to
completing a one-year waiting period.
01/06/2017 Your Associate Handbook 6-29
Adjusted Service Dates for Short-term Rehires
ii Index 01/06/2017
honesty, 3-13 loss prevention
associates’ role, 3-14
housekeeping, 3-2, 3-4
definition, 3-14
illnesses, work-related. See injuries or illnesses information, protecting, 3-17
lost and found, 3-17
improvement, 1-2
Partners in Profit (PIP) Line, 3-14, 3-17
information resources (protecting information), purchases, 3-16
3-17 reporting concerns, 3-17
shoplifting, 3-14
injuries or illnesses
shrink, 3-14
prevention teams, 3-5
theft
reporting, 3-4
examples that may be considered associate
sick pay, 4-16, 6-27
theft, 3-15
workers’ compensation, 6-27
what it can cost Publix, 3-14
insurance coverage
lost and found, 3-17
dental, 5-3
health, 5-3 maximum time off without leave
life, 5-3 30-day calendar maximum, 6-2
long term disability, 5-4 sick pay, 4-15
supplemental life, 5-4 vacation, 6-22, 6-24
vision, 5-4 workers’ compensation, 6-27
iPods, 3-5 meals, 2-4
jury duty, 6-14 media
requests from, 1-9
knives, 3-3
social, 1-10
leaves of absence. See also military service
medical file, 2-2
Bereavement Leave, 6-16
coordinating Family and Medical Leave military service, 6-17
(FMLA) with Disability Leave, 6-10
minors
definition of a leave, 6-2
cleaning restrictions, 3-2, 3-4
Disability Leave, 6-10
safety equipment and occupational work
Domestic/Sexual Violence Leave, 6-12
restrictions, 2-3
FMLA Leave, 6-5
Jury Duty Leave, 6-14 Mission Statement, Publix's, 1-2
keeping management informed during leave,
No-conflict Policy, 3-8
6-4
maintaining your benefits, 6-4, 6-5 notification/registraton of interest, 1-2
maximum time off without leave
Open Door Policy, 1-8
30-day calendar maximum, 6-2
sick pay, 4-15 opportunities. See advancement opportunities
vacation, 6-22, 6-24
pamphlets (solicitation), 1-10
workers’ compensation, 6-27
medical certification to return to work, 6-4 parking, 3-7
serious health condition, 6-9
Partners in Profit (PIP) Line, 3-14, 3-17
submitting requests for, 6-3
types of leave, 6-3 part-time status, 2-3
leaving, the company, 6-28, 6-29
PASSport
life insurance address change in, 2-2
group plan, 5-3 description, 1-5
supplemental plan, 5-4 phone number change in, 2-2
Time Off Request (TOR), 2-3
listening devices, 3-5
pay, 4-3
long-term disability, 5-4
pay deductions, 4-2
performance evaluations, 2-2
iv Index 01/06/2017
sick pay (continued) time away from work. See also leaves of
how absences affect an associate’s pay and/or absence (continued)
sick pay quota, 4-4, 4-14 types of leave, 6-3
how FMLA quotas are affected, 4-15 vacation, 6-18
maximum time off without leave, 4-15 voting, 6-25
payment of, 4-14, 6-15 workers' compensation absences, 6-27
purpose, 4-14
time off. See scheduling expectations and
short-term returns to a full-time position, 6-26
submitting requests, See also time away
work-related injuries or illnesses, 4-16, 6-27
from work
smoking, 3-7
Time Off Request (TOR), 2-3
social media, 1-10
time records
solicitation, 1-10 associate’s responsibility, 2-2
reporting errors in your pay, 4-2
status, associate, 2-3
tips, 1-4
stock, purchasing, 5-2
training, on-the-job, 2-2
substance abuse
discipline for unacceptable results, 3-11 transfers, 1-2
involuntary admissions, 3-10
Tuition Reimbursement Program
prohibited conduct, 3-10
about the program, 4-17
testing associates, 3-10
approved areas of study, 4-17
unacceptable results, 3-11
eligibility requirements
voluntary admissions
definition, 3-10 general program, 4-17
for alcohol, 3-11
graduate program, 4-18
for drugs, 3-11
reimbursements, 4-18
text messages, 1-9, 3-6
unions, Publix's philosophy on, 1-2
theft. See also Conduct, Rules of Unacceptable
vacation
examples of, 3-15
definitions, 6-18
reporting, 3-14, 3-17
effect of employment separations, 6-24
shoplifting, 3-14
full-time hourly-paid associates, 6-19
what it can cost Publix, 3-14
how time can be taken, 6-22
time away from work. See also leaves of monthly-paid associates, 6-21
absence pay category and job status changes, 6-24
Bereavement Leave, 6-16 payment of, 6-22
calling in, 2-4, 6-2 purpose, 6-18
coordinating Family and Medical Leave salaried Pharmacists, 6-20
(FMLA) with Disability Leave, 6-10 scheduling considerations, 6-22
Disability Leave, 6-10 short-term rehires, 6-30
Domestic/Sexual Violence Leave, 6-12 short-term returns to a full-time position, 6-26
FMLA Leave, 6-5 submitting requests for, 6-22
Jury Duty Leave, 6-14 unpaid vacations, 6-24
keeping management informed during leave, unused vacation pay, 6-23
6-4 weekly salaried associates, 6-20
maintaining your benefits, 6-4, 6-5 work-through vacations, 6-23
maximum time off without leave
30-day calendar maximum, 6-2 violence. See also Conduct, Rules of
sick pay, 4-15 Unacceptable
vacation, 6-22, 6-24 Domestic/Sexual Violence Leave, 6-12
workers’ compensation, 6-27 policy statement on, 3-3
medical certification to return to work, 6-4 reporting, 3-3, 3-17
military service, 6-17
vision benefits, 5-4
schedule requests, 2-3
serious health condition, 6-9 voting, 6-25
submitting requests for time off, 2-3, 6-3
01/06/2017 Index v
weapons, 3-3 workers' compensation
absences, 6-27
work
reporting injuries or illnesses, 3-4
for competitors, 3-8
time
recording, 2-2
reporting improper recording, 3-17
schedule expectations, 2-3
working off-the-clock, 2-2
© Copyright 2017
vi Index 01/06/2017