Editor's note: The following e-mailed letters first appeared on www.tirebusiness.com in response to the online poll question shown in the graphic below.
Loyalty goes both ways
I have been in business 31 years this November, and I am proud to say that I think I have the most loyal employees on the planet.
I have 86 full-time men and women working with me with a total of 612 years of service. I have some tire and service technicians, sales, management and office people with over 20 years of service. I pay them well, care for their families' well-being and have created an environment that they are proud to call their own. My team treats this as a profession and not just a job.
Barry Steinberg
President
Direct Tire and Auto Service
Watertown, Mass.
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My prognosis of this situation is that employees today are perceived to be less loyal than they were a decade ago. Today's employee is probably no different in his or her work habits and may even work harder (because more is expected of them) than in the past.
It is the employers that have changed their attitude toward the employee and are considerably less loyal than they used to be. Employees do not seem to be treated with the same respect by management as was in the past.
Therefore, if employees ``seem'' less loyal today, it is the perception that management wants for us to have.
Fred Littenberg
Regional Credit Manager
American Tire Distributors Inc.
Huntersville, N.C.
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Tire employees are less loyal, but this is not just a tire industry issue-it is societal. Customers are less loyal; ALL employees are less loyal. In general, performance is not a priority in employment, purchase decisions, marriage and residence. As usual, those who manage change will profit and thrive the most.
Patrick Casey
Owner
Heritage Tire
Grand Rapids, Minn.