November 29, 2007
Not Even Good Business
I saw this on the local news yesterday and it really pissed me off.
Pep Boys closes local store. 40 people showed up for work only to find the store closed and the doors locked.
Done. No warning. Just closed.
And this exact scene played out at 31 other locations across the country.
Now, the article states that Pep Boys corporate is DOWN more than $21 million from this time last year. $21 million down in sales. Holy Crap!!!
But what was the kick in my gut was this company didn't even have the decency to warn employees. Yes, they are getting some kind of a package. But honestly? That's like puttin' a band aid on a broken leg. It's just a gesture at this point.
I'm reading that things every where are tough. But I have to tell you - things around this area are HORRID. In the industry news letter I received yesterday it stated that consumer confidence is down drastically nationwide - but the only place it is lower than the area I live, is in Detroit MI - and QW has been talkin' about how tough things are around there.
A week doesn't go by that I don't hear about another company closing or eliminating a shift of employees. Weekly. And there is just no new industry to help pick up the slack.
It's scary times folks. Real scary.
But I'm just really pissed that Pep Boys treated their employees this way. There is NO REASON for it. It's just arrogance. It wouldn't have hurt a THING to give their workers a heads-up. A bit of warning. Not a hand out, just a chance to start looking for other options.
Finding a job is not an easy thing. No matter what industry you're in.....
I've used that company for years as my "mechanic". Mainly because with all the driving and travel I do at least I had some confidence that there was someplace I could get my car worked on if I needed it. Yes, it was more expensive, but peace of mind is worth that to me.
I can promise you - after this - I won't be going back there. Our local mechanic closed up shop, but I'll find someone else to take care of Lana. I'm not going to spend my money with a company that cares so little about their employees that they can't even give them any warning that they are putting them on the street.
In my mind, if that's how you treat your employees, your "family" as it were, I can only imagine what your Customer Service plans are..........
Posted by Tammi at November 29, 2007 05:44 AM | TrackBack"...In my mind, if that's how you treat your employees, your "family" as it were, I can only imagine what your Customer Service plans are.........."
AMEN and pass the mustard!
Not shocking at all, happens every.single.day here in Michigan.
Just read yesterday about a company that just laid off 125 workers on Monday, no warning, nothing. They come back from the holiday and don't have jobs any longer.
It's a daily reality here, especially right now. The end of the year is when they get rid of contract workers to meet their 2008 budgets.
I am going to hate coming to work every day from now until the end of the year, never know when it's was your last day.
Posted by: Quality Weenie at November 29, 2007 09:10 AMDitto to what Lemon Stand said.
Posted by: Roses at November 29, 2007 09:17 AMSad. I couldn't fathom doing that to anyone. I've never been a big fan of Pep Boys. Here in California they do not rate high on the list for reliablilty, but talk about a serious lack of "intestinal fortitude" to do that to the employees!
Posted by: Navy CPO at November 29, 2007 11:57 AMWe had a restaurant do that last year, here in town. I was stunned. It was a FAMILY owned restaurant, and one day, the waitstaff showed to open for lunch and the doors were locked and the place was closed. The owners never told a soul. I don't get it...
Posted by: Bou at November 29, 2007 10:17 PM