Free Republic

Japanese tire maker Bridgestone Corp (5108.T) said it would buy auto parts retailer Pep Boys-Manny, Moe & Jack (PBY.N) for $835 million to expand its retail presence in the United States. The deal will boost Bridgestone's retail network by more than a third in the United States, the company said. Bridgestone operates a chain of auto care and tire stores in the United States through its Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO) unit. "Bridgestone is looking to expand its market share in services and tires ... it's a little harder to understand what they might do with (Pep Boys') retail operations but...

NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain — Seabee Petty Officer Second Class Erik Balodis once hoped to retire at the company he grew to love. But those aspirations were crushed when automotive parts retail giant Pep Boys fired him in June 2002 after he returned from Navy Reserve training. Company executives contend they laid him off because of poor performance. But Balodis claims the retail chain sacked him because of his military service. He is suing the company for $5 million in lost wages and punitive damages, but hopes the lawsuit will help others. “If nothing else, it’s going to send a...

As National Guard members and reservists make their final preparations to fight the war in Iraq, a lawsuit by a Navy reservist is focusing attention on the rights of workers who are called up when it comes to their full-time jobs.Reservist Erik Balodis of Tucson filed a lawsuit claiming he was fired illegally from auto parts retailer Pep Boys in June because his military commitments were keeping him away from work. Balodis, 36, claims the firing forced his family of four into bankruptcy and to sell their home. Philadelphia-based Pep Boys denies the allegations. The lawsuit claims that for months,...

Pep Boys Statement Regarding Military Leave March 17, 2003 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...

<p>A federal lawsuit alleges Pep Boys fired a store manager because of his military obligation.</p> <p>Automotive supply chain Pep Boys fired a Tucson store manager because his military Reserve duties took him away from work, according to a federal lawsuit filed here.</p>