Tire dealer settles employment lawsuit

Les Schwab Tire Centers has agreed to settle a lawsuit initiated in 2006 by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), while denying the federal agency’s claims of discriminatory employment practices in a Kalispell, Mont., tire store.

“The alleged events in this case reportedly occurred several years ago in a single store in Montana. We deny any wrongdoing but are pleased to resolve this issue and end the expenses and business disruption created by litigation,” says company spokesperson, Jodie Hueske.

“Les Schwab has a 50-year track record of focusing on employees and customers over all other things. Our Code of Business Conduct establishes policies that provide employees with an environment free from any form of discrimination and harassment. We also have procedures in place to enable employees to anonymously report any type of employment concern without any fear of retaliation,” Hueske explains.

Les Schwab founded Les Schwab Tire Centers in Prineville, Ore., in 1952. Today the independent tire dealers has more than 7,700 employees in 410 locations throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, California, Nevada, Alaska and Utah.