Service to our nation is paramount to Pep Boys. We are very proud, not only of all those Pep Boys associates currently serving our country but, of every U.S. service man and woman who has ever served.
Our policies grant leaves of absence for military duty to our associates and are in full compliance with Federal and State law.
Regarding recent allegations, we are confident no inappropriate actions have been taken toward any former or current Pep Boys associate due to his or her military obligations. We do, however, take allegations of this type seriously and investigate any such claim.
My original letter:
To:
Subject: Rest assured....
....that because of your loathsome decision to terminate Erik Balodis because of his service obligation to the U.S. Navy (http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/business/3_15_03reservist.html) I will never spend another dollar in any of your stores. This is where my wallet defeats your tyranny of the bottom line.
With utter contempt,
Dear Greg,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding recent press reports concerning a former Pep Boys employee who filed a lawsuit against Pep Boys alleging termination due to military obligations. We are confident that no inappropriate actions have been taken toward this or any Pep Boys associate due to his or her military obligations.
At the present time, more than 30 Pep Boys associates have been called to active duty and are now serving. We would never terminate an employee for military service in support of our nation and are very proud, not only of our associates currently serving in the military, but also of very U.S. service man and woman who has ever served.
Our policy grants leaves of absence to our associates for military duty and we are in full compliance with, and in some areas exceed, state and federal laws. The policy is consistent with the guidelines of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a volunteer organization serving reserve and guard members.
While it is not our practice to comment on ongoing litigation and personnel matters, this particular employee's termination, on June 27, 2002, was unrelated to his military reserve status and solely related to other factors dating back to the summer of 2001.
Our prayers and thoughts are with our troops and their families in this tenuous time and we offer them our support and gratitude.
Thank you for your interest in Pep Boys.