It's really, really clear Kroger has been and continues to target experienced employees. In many states this could be actionable under anti-age discrimination statutes, but what my pharmacist partner observed is that the DM was smart enough to never commit any harassment via written materials, instead doing so over voice calls and in person.
Instead, the technique is to demand adherence to "performance metrics" that cannot possibly be achieved with the labor hours allotted, then harass, belittle and transfer the targeted individuals. This has the side benefit (for Kroger) of enabling the worst sort of DM's who love behind-kissing toadies. The ideal Kroger corporate executive at this point is a narcissistic sadist.
Long term, of course, this is recipe for corporate disaster. The customers have caught on, which is clear to us because they are fleeing Kroger and telling my partner at their new employer how awful Kroger has become. The amount of ill will Kroger has engendered with employees and customers is going to hurt them in the long run. If I were starving to death and my options were a Kroger next door or a Safeway 20 miles away, I would buy a candy bar at Kroger and walk 20 miles.
A really good post from @12PeK6xQ-5las.