INTRODUCTION
Welcome to CRISWELL
AUTOMOTIVE. We are a dealership group competing with many others,
but we are a unique organization. Since 1972, we have successfully
sought to establish our reputation through honesty, competitive
sales, and responsive, effective service practices. We believe
that a high degree of customer satisfaction is the key to developing
the topflight business reputation vital to a successful dealership.
The goal of all of us must be to make CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE the best
place to work and do business in our community.
CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE management and staff operate the dealerships in
a style befitting the automotive products we represent. Basic to that
management style is our philosophy: "OUR GREATEST ASSET IS THE
CUSTOMER." This philosophy must be foremost in our minds and reflect
in the operation of this dealership every day.
Its not good enough to just satisfy customers today (they expect that),
we must learn how to IMPRESS and DELIGHT CUSTOMERS and make their experiences
with us MEMORABLE, if we are to attract new customers and retain old
ones! To accomplish this, we believe that HAPPY EMPLOYEES GENERATE
HAPPY CUSTOMERS, ESl=CSI.
The opportunity here is a unique one for you. You will be associated
with some of the finest people in the automobile business. It is an
opportunity for you to learn, to contribute and to grow professionally.
This Employee Handbook has been developed to clarify personnel policies
applicable to the employees of CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE. It is designed
to be a reference to guide present employees as well as to provide
initial information to new personnel.
Management recognizes the importance of each employee's individual
contribution to the Company's success. These contributions are most
effective when all staff members work together as a team. We encourage
you to be an active participant in the business and to develop to your
fullest potential with our Company. We are a customer-oriented business
and recognize that this attitude will ensure our business success.
We believe that a well-informed employee makes the best employee. This
Handbook is intended to provide information concerning important Company
policies, procedures, benefits, privileges and responsibilities which
are yours as an employee. Please study it. Although this is not a book
of rules, many Company regulations and principles are included. The
need for these regulations, for the most part, is self-evident, understandable
and are necessary. Proper individual conduct and consideration for
your fellow employees will help us to keep policies, procedures and
regulatory controls to a minimum.
The policies contained in this Handbook do not create any contract
of employment, nor do they constitute the terms of an implied agreement
with the Company. All employees are considered "at will" employees
unless they have a written contract to the contrary. Likewise, nothing
in this Handbook shall be construed to erode the employment-at-will
doctrine. "At will" means employment may be terminated with
or without reason by either the employee or the Company. Many of the
Dealer Voluntary Benefits outlined in this Handbook are mere summaries
of the actual benefits provided to employees in other detailed documents
provided when eligible. The Company reserves the right to make and
enforce new policies or procedures, and to enforce, change, abolish
or modify existing policies and benefits as the Company may consider
necessary with or without notice.
All the rights, prerogatives and functions of management which are
not addressed by this Handbook are reserved and retained exclusively
to the Company.
The keynotes of this Company are team-work and mutual respect, both
of which will serve our customers, Company and ourselves. We welcome
you as a new member of the Company and hope that your stay with us
will be long, mutually pleasant and profitable.
THIS EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK IS ON CONSIGNMENT TO YOU AS COMPANY PROPERTY
AND WILL BE RELINQUISHED ALONG WITH OTHER COMPANY PROPERTY SHOULD EMPLOYMENT
BE TERMINATED. After you have read this Handbook, please keep it in
a convenient place for future reference and updating. A $50.00 consignment
charge will apply if this Handbook is not returned upon termination
of employment.
By accepting your position with CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE, you have accepted
the responsibility of conducting yourself in a manner exemplary of
the products you represent ... CHEVROLET, HONDA, NISSAN, HUMMER, LOTUS,
ISUZU, COMMERCIAL SPECIALTY VEHICLES, and MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS.
Management operates an open door policy. For situations not covered
in this Handbook or if you need further information or clarification,
please feel free to consult either the General Sales Manager, Director
of Fixed Operations (Parts & Service) or the Controller.
Throughout this Employee Handbook, the pronouns he, him, and
his are used interchangeably with he/she, him/her, and his/hers.
All personal pronouns are intended to include both genders and
in no way should be construed to imply a bias towards males in
the organization. |
OUR
MISSION STATEMENT
IT IS THE MISSION OF CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE TO PROVIDE OUR CUSTOMERS WITH
CONSISTENT QUALITY MOTOR VEHICLES, RELATED PRODUCTS AND SERVICES AT
COMPETITIVE PRICES THAT ADD VALUE AND CREATE CUSTOMER LOYALTY.
WE WILL OPERATE EACH DEPARTMENT IN A PROFESSIONAL MANNER, WITH A COMMITMENT
TO LEADERSHIP IN THE MARKETAREA WE SERVE. ADDITIONALLY, WE WILL PROVIDE
OUR EMPLOYEES WITH A GOOD WORKING ENVIRONMENT, AN OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE
ABOVE AVERAGE COMPENSATION TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND ADVANCE
WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION, LIMITED ONLY BY THE EMPLOYEE'S ABILITY OR
PERFORMANCE.
WE WILL ENTHUSIASTICALLY DEVELOP A "TOTAL CUSTOMER ENTHUSIASM" ATMOSPHERE
(IMPRESSING CUSTOMERS SO THEY WILL FEEL DELIGHTED WITH US) BY OFFERING:
A GREAT DEAL, GREAT SERVICE, GREAT VALUE, EASE OF DOING BUSINESS, ALL
IN A FUN-FILLED WAY. WE WILL CONTRIBUTE POSITIVELY TO OUR COMMUNITY
AND ENVIRONMENT AND RECOGNIZE THAT PROFITABILITY IS ESSENTIAL TO OUR
FUTURE SUCCESS.
IN ALL INSTANCES, THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF HONESTY AND INTEGRITY SHALL
BE MAINTAINED WITH CUSTOMERS, AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURERS AND EMPLOYEES,
WHILE TREATING EACH OTHER WITH RESPECT AND DIGNITY.
THE CUSTOMER IS OUR MOST IMPORTANT ASSET
A Customer is not an interruption of our work; he is the reason for
it.
When you take good -care of the Customer, they will take care of us.
A Customer does us a favor when he calls us; we're not doing him a
favor by serving him.
A Customer is part of our business; he is not an outsider.
A Customer is not a cold statistic; he is a human being, with feelings
and emotions just like our own.
A Customer is a person who comes to us with his wants; it is our job
to fill them.
A Customer is not someone to argue or match wits with.
A Customer is deserving of the most courteous and attentive treatment
we can give him.
A Customer is the life blood of this and every other business. Without
him we would have to close our doors.
I. NEW EMPLOYEE INFORMATION AND ORIENTATION
Personnel Philosophy
Our personnel philosophy is based on the belief that our success is
primarily dependent upon our employees. It is our policy to implement
fair and effective personnel policies and to require all employees
to serve in the organization's best interest.
It is our objective to hire individuals who are qualified for positions
of employment by virtue of job-related standards in education, training
and experience, while avoiding all unlawful employment and promotional
practices.
1. Our goal for employees include the following:
a. To establish reasonable hours of work based on our workload and
service needs.
b. To monitor and comply with applicable federal, state and local laws
and regulations concerning employee safety.
c. To be receptive to constructive suggestions which relate to the
job, working conditions or personnel policies.
d. To establish appropriate means for employees to discuss matters
of interest or concern with their supervisor.
2. It is our policy to:
a. Recognize each employee as an individual.
b. Establish appropriate objectives and standards
for each position within the organization.
c. Periodically review the performance of all members
of the staff to inform them of their status and to provide them with
continuous guidance to help them to progress in knowledge and in their
jobs.
d. Promote from within those individuals qualified
to fill job vacancies or new positions. We will promote from within
whenever possible and will select, on the basis of merit, the employee
best qualified to fill a job vacancy or new position. An individual
is considered for promotion on the basis of job knowledge, record of
accomplishment, leadership potential, personality (as measured against
the bona-fide job-related criteria of the advanced position) and seniority.
When special training and/or expertise is required, it may be necessary
to fill the position from outside the Company.
e. Maintain salary scales in a manner that recognizes
the relative importance of each position and reward competent and meritorious
performance.
f. Provide an efficient environment by maintaining
good physical working conditions and fostering harmonious relations
among employees. Communicate freely with all members of the staff and
to encourage communication from them.
3. We expect all employees:
a. To deal with customers and suppliers in a professional
manner.
b. To perform assigned tasks efficiently.
c. To be punctual.
d. To demonstrate a respectful, courteous and constructive
attitude toward fellow employees.
e. To adhere to the policies and procedures instituted
by the Company.
We retain the sole right to exercise all managerial functions including,
but not limited to, the right:
a. To assign, supervise, discipline and dismiss employees.
b. To determine and change starting times, quitting
times and shifts.
c. To determine and change the size and qualifications
of the work force.
d. To transfer employees within departments or into
other departments and other classifications.
e. To determine and change methods by which our operations
are to be carried out.
2. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE is an equal opportunity employer. The Company reaffirms
the policy of treating all employees and applicants, whether or not
they are members of protected groups, equally, according to their individual
qualifications, ability, experience and other employment standards.
This policy applies to every phase of the employment relationship,
including recruitment, hiring, promotion, demotion, transfer, discipline,
layoff, termination, rates of pay and other benefits.
Company policies apply equally to all employees regardless of race,
color, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, ancestry,
marital status, disability or sexual orientation. There shall be no
discrimination against any person in respect to any phase of the employment
relationship or the use of Company facilities. Management expects every
employee to abide by CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE EEO Policy and conform to
all local, state and federal laws and ordinances in regard to these
matters. An employee who feels he/she has been discriminated against
should contact the Human Resources Department or the Dealer Principal.
3. Harassment, Offensive Behavior and Sexual Violence
Offensive Behavior Policy Statement
It is our policy to provide a work environment that is free from discrimination,
harassment, offensive and degrading remarks and conduct for all individuals.
Offensive behavior, including harassment, on our premises or at any
related functions or facilities will not be tolerated. Any employee
who is found to have acted in violation of this policy will be subjected
to appropriate disciplinary action, which may include termination,
suspension, demotion, transfer, reprimand, mandatory education or written
warning.
Definitions and Examples
Employee conduct that is inappropriate and offensive has the potential
of being perceived as harassment and will not be tolerated. Supervisors
are responsible for acting promptly and dealing with situations where
they observe or are advised of and confirm inappropriate and offensive
behavior.
A. Harassment
One form of offensive behavior is harassment. Harassment may include
verbal or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion
towards an individual because of individual's race, creed, religion,
age, gender, national origin, sexual/affectional orientation, marital
status, disability, veteran or citizenship status or status with regard
to public assistance. Harassment may include, but is not limited to:
Epithets • Slurs • Negative Stereotyping • Threats • Intimidation • Hostile
Acts • Denigrating or hostile written or graphic material posted
on or circulated in the workplace
B. Sexual Harassment
Another form of offensive behavior is sexual harassment. Sexual harassment
may include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors,
sexually motivated physical contact or other verbal or physical conduct
or communication where:
1. Submission to that conduct or communication is
made a term or condition, either explicitly or implicitly, of obtaining
employment.
2. Submission to or rejection of that conduct or communication
by an individual is used as a factor in decisions affecting that individual's
employment.
3. That conduct or communication has the purpose or
effect of substantially interfering with an individual's employment;
or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive employment environment.
"Sexually motivated" includes unwelcome, objectionable and
offensive conduct or communication which, even though it may not be
sexual in nature, is directed at an employee on account of his or her
gender.
A few examples of sexual harassment or actions that have the potential
for creating a hostile or offensive work environment include, but are
not limited to:
1. Use of any offensive or demeaning terms which have
sexual connotation or are addressed to an employee on account of his
or her gender.
2. Objectionable, unwelcome physical proximity or
physical contact.
3. Unwelcome gender-based suggestions regarding, or
invitation to, social engagements.
4. Any indication, expressed or implied, that an employee's
job security, job assignment, conditions of employment or opportunities
for advancement depend or may depend on the granting of sexual favors
to any person or upon the acceptance of unwelcome objectionable sexual
conduct, advances or comments.
5. Any action relating to an employee's job status which is in fact
affected by consideration of the granting or refusal of gender-based
requests for social or sexual favors.
6. The existence of an atmosphere of sexual harassment
or intimidation.
7. Jokes, remarks or innuendo of a sexual nature made
to, or in the presence of, employees who may find such material offensive.
8. The dissemination of materials (such as cartoons,
articles, pictures, e-mail, etc.) which have a sexual content and which
are not necessary for our work, to employees who may find such material
offensive.
9. Making suggestive or insulting noises, leering,
whistling or making obscene gestures.
Harassment is prohibited regardless of the sex of the harasser or the
recipient.
C. Sexual Misconduct
Whether working in an office environment or any other department, employees
may be in a position to assert influence over other employees who are
under their supervision. It is essential that such influence and the
impression of impropriety be avoided. For that reason, the Company
prohibits employees from engaging in sexual involvement with employees
or clients of the Company. Likewise, employees who hold supervisory
positions are prohibited from dating or having intimate or sexual relations
with other employees under their supervision, even if mutually consented
to. Sexual relations for purposes of this policy shall be defined as
intimate relations that transcend the bounds of typical friendship.
D. Sexual Violence Policy
Sexual violence is an act of aggression and coercion, not an expression
of sexual intimacy. Sexual harassment may include sexual violence.
We will take reasonable steps to offer safety, privacy and support
to the victim/survivor of sexual violence. Helping the victim/survivor
examine options for reporting the assault and taking care of yourself
is important to us. The Company will assist the victim/survivor in
contacting an appropriate company if assistance is desired.
Complaint Procedures
Each member of management is responsible for creating an atmosphere
free of discrimination and harassment, sexual or otherwise. Employees
are responsible for respecting the rights of co-workers.
If you experience or witness any job-related harassment based on sex,
race, or you believe that you have been treated in an unlawful, discriminatory
manner, express your objections to the offending person. If your fellow
employee does not cease the objectionable conduct, talk to your Supervisor
who will investigate the matter and take appropriate action. If your
Department Manager is unavailable, or if you prefer, you may discuss
the matter with the Human Resources Department. It is your responsibility
to bring your complaints and concerns to management's attention, so
that management can try to help to resolve them.
All problems will be handled promptly. In addition, special privacy
safeguards will be applied in handling harassment complaints, under
which the privacy of the charging party and the person accused of harassment
will be held in confidence to the extent possible.
We will retain as confidential all documentation of allegations and
investigations. We will take appropriate corrective action against
the offending employee, including disciplinary measures up to and including
discharge when justified, to remedy any violation of this policy.
This procedure shall not be construed as preventing, limiting or delaying
us from taking appropriate disciplinary action against any individual,
up to and including dismissal, in circumstances where we believe such
action appropriate.
No person regardless of how highly placed, is exempt from compliance
with this policy. Employees are also encouraged to report harassment
and/or reprisal by clients, vendors and any other non-employees. We
will not tolerate harassment against our employees in connection with
their employment even if the harasser is not an employee.
We prohibit any form of retaliation against any employee for filing
a bona-fide complaint under this policy or for assisting in a complaint
investigation. However, if after investigating any complaint of harassment
or unlawful discrimination, we determine that the complaint is not
bona-fide, or that employee has provided false information regarding
the complaint, disciplinary action may be taken against the individual
who filed the complaint or who gave false information.
4. Individuals with Disabilities
We comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable
state and local laws prohibiting discrimination in employment against
qualified individuals with disabilities. We also provide reasonable
accommodations for such individuals in accordance with these laws.
It is our policy to:
1. Ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities
are treated in a nondiscriminatory manner in the pre-employment process
and that employees with disabilities are treated in a nondiscriminatory
manner in all terms, conditions and privileges of employment.
2. Administer medical examinations to employees when
justified by business necessity, such as for a second medical opinion
or a fitness-for-duty exam.
3. Keep all medical-related information confidential
in accordance with the requirements of the ADA and retain such information
in separate confidential files.
4. Provide applicants and employees with disabilities
with reasonable accommodation, except where such accommodations would
create an undue hardship for the Company.
5. Notify individuals with disabilities that we provide
reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities,
by including this policy in our Employee Handbook and by posting the
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's poster on discrimination
throughout our facility.
Procedure for Requesting Accommodation
A qualified individual with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation
from the Human Resources Department. Upon receipt of an accommodation
request, the Human Resources Department will meet with the individual
to discuss and identify the precise limitations resulting from the
disability and the potential accommodation that we might make to help
overcome those limitations.
The Human Resources Department, in conjunction with appropriate management
representatives identified as having a need to know (e.g., the individual
's supervisor/department manager), will determine the feasibility of
the requested accommodation, considering various factors, including,
but not limited to, the nature and the cost of the accommodation, the
availability of tax credits and deductions, outside funding, the facility's
overall financial resources and organization, and the impact of the
accommodation on the operation of the facility, including its impact
on the ability of other employees to perform their duties. The process
is one of dialogue between the affected individual and management.
The Human Resources Department will inform the employee of the decision.
If the accommodation request is denied, the employee will be advised
of his/her right to appeal the decision to the Dealer Principal by
submitting a written statement to the Dealer Principal along with the
reasons for the request.
The Dealer Principal will review all employee appeals. After reviewing
an employee's appeal, the individual making the appeal will be notified
of the Dealer Principal's decision, which will be final.
For the purposes of this policy, the term "disability" means,
with respect to an individual:
(a) a physical or mental impairment that substantially
limits one or more of the major life activities of such individual;
(b) a
record of such an impairment; or
(c) being regarded as having such an impairment.
Life Threatening Illnesses
It is the policy of CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE to discriminate in hiring or
in continuing to employ, individuals who have life threatening illnesses.
Employees with life-threatening illnesses, such as cancer, heart disease
and AIDS often wish to continue their normal pursuits, including work,
to the extent allowed by their condition. CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE supports
these endeavors as long as employees are able to meet acceptable performance
standards. As in the case of other disabilities, the Company will make
reasonable accommodations in accordance with the legal requirements
to allow qualified employees with life-threatening illnesses to perform
the essential functions of their job.
Medical information on individual employees is treated confidentially.
The Company will take reasonable precautions to protect such information
from inappropriate disclosure. Managers and other employees have a
responsibility to respect and maintain the confidentiality of employee
medical information. Anyone inappropriately disclosing such information
is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination
of employment.
The EEO Officer, Human Resources Department, will also determine what
information you should obtain from your physician, so that we can explore
the types of possible reasonable accommodations that may be recommended
for you, consistent with the business needs of your department, established
Company policy and applicable federal, state and local laws.
Employees with questions or concerns about life-threatening illnesses
are encouraged to contact the Human Resources Department for information
and referral to appropriate services and resources.
5. Consensual Personal Relationships in the Workplace
For the purposes of this policy, a "consensual personal relationship" includes
marriage, cohabitation, engagement, dating and other ongoing relationships
of an intimate or close personal nature, but does not include purely
social friendships. While we understand each employee could misinterpret
this definition, we believe our employees should clearly understand
the intent of and need for this policy.
Consensual personal relationships between employees are generally not
the Company's concern. However, such relationships have the potential
to be disruptive in our workplace and tarnish our reputation. We have
therefore established a common sense policy to diffuse problems before
they occur.
The Company believes employees we hire are persons of high moral and
ethical character. We expect them to exercise good judgment and to
always keep in mind that the Company's excellent reputation among our
customers, vendors and in our community needs to be carefully and diligently
nurtured. All Company employees are therefore expected to act according
to our high standard of behavior and avoid any conduct which may tarnish
our reputation outside the Company or cause disruption or criticism
within the Company or among the families of our employees.
Therefore:
1. When two Company employees are involved in a consensual personal
relationship and one of them is in a supervisory position, whether
or not he or she supervises the other person, the supervisor must promptly
inform his/her immediate supervisor of the relationship.
2. In addition, supervisors may not enter into a consensual personal
relationship with any employee they supervise and continue to supervise
that person. If such a relationship occurs, an immediate conflict of
interest will arise and one of the two parties will be transferred
to another position for which he or she is qualified, if one is available.
If not available, other action to resolve the conflict will be taken.
6. Immigration Control Act
We comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 which
requires us to attest to the U.S. Government that all persons we hire
are not unauthorized aliens and are legally entitled to work in the
United States. In order to comply with this law, we must verify your
identity and your right to work in the United States. In order to do
this, we are required to examine certain documents such as, but not
limited to, a U.S. Passport, Certificate of Citizenship, Social Security
Card, Certificate of Birth and Driver's License with photograph.
7. Skills Testing
An applicant for employment may be required to take a test regarding
specific job related skills as part of the process of evaluating candidates
for a position. Test results will be one factor in the consideration
of an applicant.
8. Employee Medical Exam / Drug Screen
After an offer has been made to an applicant entering a designated
job category, a medical drug screening or physical examination may
be required by a health professional of the Company's choice. The conditional
offer of employment and assignment to duties will be subject to satisfactory
completion of the drug screen. Employees are required to pay for the
pre-employment drug screen and will be reimbursed for the expense with
proof of negative results after the 90 Day Introductory Period.
Information on an employee's medical condition or history will be kept
separate from other employee information and maintained confidentially.
Access to this information will be limited to those who have a legitimate
need to know.
9. Employee Bonding & Licensing
An applicant may be required to be bonded as a prerequisite for employment.
During employment, an employee may be required to be bonded. The cost
of the bond will be paid by the Company. If an employee cannot be bonded,
employment may be terminated or denied.
10. Getting Acquainted
Upon arrival to work on the first day of your employment, you will
be shown your job and the duties will be explained to you. Your supervisor
will introduce you to fellow employees who will show you around. Within
the first month of your employment, you will be given an orientation
that will cover our personnel policies and benefits.
11. Legal Compliance
The Company complies with all federal and state laws impacting the
way we conduct our business. As an employee of the Company you agree
to adhere to this Company's standards. Your supervisor will inform
you of the laws affecting your specific job and will instruct you regarding
compliance requirements and procedures. Some regulated areas include
but are not limited to the following:
Consumer Protection
Large Cash Transactions (cash reporting and money laundering)
Vehicle Tampering (emissions and safety)
Odometer Fraud Disclosure (used car rule, credit and leasing practices,
damage disclosure, etc.)
Environmental (handling hazardous material, CFC recycling, tank and
waste water management, etc.)
Drug Trafficking
Safeguarding Customer Information
Applicable regulations will be covered in detail during orientation
and training by your supervisor.
12. Employee Introductory Period
To become a regular full-time employee, you will undergo a 90 day introductory
period to assess your ability, potential, and future with the Company.
At the Company's sole discretion during this period, an introductory
employee may be transferred to another department or have his employment
terminated. During this period, you have the opportunity to determine
whether or not CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE is the place for you. You are encouraged
to resolve any misunderstandings and misconceptions during this period,
so you will know what you may expect, and what is expected of you.
During the first 90 days of employment, you are on an introductory
period, and subject to discipline and/or discharge at any time. An
introductory employee has no seniority rights over other introductory
employees. Company benefits are available after the 90 day introductory
period. Completion of the introductory period should not be construed
as creating a permanent employment relationship.
13. Working Hours
When you are hired, you will be advised of the hours you are expected
to work. All hours and days of work are subject to change and modification,
and no guarantee is made to any employee as to the number of hours
you will be assigned in any given week. The regular working hours of
this dealership are:
Hours of Operation Open to the Public:
Sales Department
9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Monday-Thursday
9:00 A.M. to 7:30 P.M. Friday
9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Saturday
12:00 P.M to 5:00 P.M. Sunday (Honda)
Service Department
6:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Monday-Thursday
6:30 A.M. to 7:30 P.M. Friday
8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Saturday
Body Shop
6:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Monday-Friday
Parts Department
8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Monday-Friday
8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Saturday
Accounting
8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday-Friday
CLOSED SUNDAY (subject to management discretion)
14. Let's Talk About It
We encourage you to bring your questions, suggestions and concerns
to our attention. Your immediate supervisor or a member of the management
team will give careful consideration to each of these in our continuing
effort to improve our Company. If there is anything about your job
that concerns you, let's get it out in the open and talk about it.
Discuss it frankly with us and we will do everything we can to help
you "iron it out". You may be sure that your concern will
be handled in an open and fair manner.
Here are the steps that you may take:
If you feel you have a problem, you should present the situation to
your supervisor so the problem can be resolved quickly. Your supervisor
knows you and your job best. Past situations have shown that most problems
can be settled by simple examinations and discussion of the facts.
Should you and your supervisor be unable to resolve a disagreement
or need additional input, the Human Resources Department's door is
always open, with an appointment. In an emergency, you may request
an immediate meeting. Employees are encouraged to immediately resolve
disagreements within your respective department as misunderstandings
can fester with time.
A disagreement with your supervisor does not mean that an employee
is free to disregard the orders, direction or instruction of management,
this is considered insubordination and could result in immediate termination
of employment.
We are anxious to hear from you on any subject. We want to offer every
opportunity to discuss your concerns freely, so you will feel you have
been treated fairly.
15. Payroll Classifications
All employees filling positions within the Company are classified in
one of the compensation categories defined below:
Exempt Salaried:
Executive, administrative and engineering professional employees whose
primary duty is responsible work of substantial importance to management
or the operation of the company. Exempt employees at CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE
are defined as employees engaged as commissioned salespersons, service
advisors, parts counter personnel, flat rate technicians (all must
devote more than %0% of their time to the exempted work), and management.
Employees in this category are not entitled to overtime pay or compensatory
time off.
Not-Exempt Hourly or Salaried:
Usually non-supervisory salaried "office/clerical" employees
or employees who are compensated on a per hour basis. Employees in
this category must record all time worked and are compensated at time
and one-half (1-1/2) for overtime. See overtime section.
Additionally, employees are divided into the following categories:
Regular Full-Time Employees: Employees who work forty
(40) hours per week on a regular scheduled basis. They are eligible
for all Company benefits after the appropriate period.
Regular Part-Time Employees: Employees who work less
than forty (40) hours per week on a regularly scheduled basis.
Temporary Employees: Employees who are hired as interim
replacements to temporarily supplement theh work force or to assist
in the completion of a specific project. Temporary employees retain
that status unless and until notified in writing of a change.
Part-time and temporary employees are eligible for mandated benefits
such as Social Security, Workers' Compensation and Unemployment Compensation.
But part-time and temporary employees are not eligible for any other
Company benefits.
16. Time Records
If your job requires that you clock-in/clock-out, you will be given
instructions on the Reynolds & Reynolds Computer System. CLOCK-IN
BEFORE YOU START TO WORK, CLOCK-OUT AND IN FOR LUNCH, AND CLOCK-OUT
AT THE END OF THE WORK PERIOD. NO EMPLOYEE SHOULD CLOCK-IN OR CLOCK-OUT
FOR ANOTHER EMPLOYEE. If your job does not require you to clock-in/clock-out,
it will be necessary for your supervisor to keep a record of your time
worked. These records are mandatory under the Federal Wage and Hour
Law, therefore failure to comply with these procedures will subject
the employee to disciplinary action. Time records of all employees
are reviewed and approved by management each week.
Department managers will notify the Human Resources Department of all
hourly and salary employee vacation schedules, sick days off, school
attendance, etc., for accurate and timely payroll administration.
17. Employee Time Management and Accountability
Effective time management and personal accountability of all employees
is crucial to the successful daily operation of CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE
. Therefore, it is required that each employee notify your supervisor
of any extended absence from your workstation that is not "work
related". This includes, but is not limited to, lunch breaks,
leaving company property or any scheduled personal appointments. Additionally,
if required, employees are reminded to "punch in/out" during
extended absences. Full cooperation from all employees will improve
our personnel accountability processes and overall administration of
our time and attendance.
18. Overtime
The basic hourly employee work week is forty (40) hours. There are
occasions which necessitate working beyond the basic work week. Employees
are expected to work overtime at the request of your supervisor. Every
effort will be made to give reasonable notice to employees who are
required to work overtime. In accordance with the Federal Fair Labor
Standards Act, overtime pay may not be less than one and one half times
the employer's regular hourly employee rate of pay for hours worked
over 40 in one work week. Overtime must be authorized and approved
in advance by your supervisor.
Exempt employees are defined as employees engaged as salespersons,
technicians, parts counter personnel and management. Exempt employees,
in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act who meet the test for
each job category, are exempt from overtime requirements.
Vacation, holiday and sick leave hours will not be included in calculating
overtime.
19. Meal Periods
Length of time of the unpaid meal period is one (1) hour. All employees
who are using the Reynolds & Reynolds System are to clock out and
in for a meal (lunch or dinner).
To assure that all dealership operations are manned during the working
day, your supervisor will establish staggered meal periods for all
departmental personnel. You must abide by the schedule established
by your supervisor so that we may serve our customers properly.
20. Pay Policies
All employees are paid weekly every Friday for work completed the previous
week. The pay period runs Sunday through Saturday. Each paycheck will
include earnings for all work performed through the end of the previous
payroll period. Your check will be electronically deposited in your
bank account following completion of the pay period. Your payroll stub
itemizes deductions made from your gross earnings. The law requires
the Company to make deductions for Social Security, Federal and State
income taxes. Any errors should be brought to your supervisor's attention
immediately and will be adjusted in the next paycheck. Any discrepancies
or questions about your pay should be raised immediately and answered
to your satisfaction on the day you are paid. Although the accounting
staff makes every effort to be accurate, mistakes may occur. Please
bring any such error to the immediate attention of your supervisor
for correction and not the accounting office. (If you are absent on
payday, your direct deposit statement will be held until you return,
unless you have made prior arrangements with your supervisor to have
it mailed to you).
Employee personal checks cannot be cashed at this dealership.
We have learned from our years in business, that loans to employees
or advances in pay do little in the long run to help meet financial
obligations. At the same time, the Company may be put in a very difficult
and unpleasant position, were it required to collect a past due loan.
For these reasons, CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE does not make cash advances
or loans to employees.
21. Attendance
You are expected to report to your job each working day except for
illness or special reasons. Since we are not a large company, your
presence on the job is most important to the smooth operation of the
dealership. Absence creates burdens that are difficult to deal with
and may result in dissatisfied customers.
You must always call
in daily and speak personally with your department manager or immediate
supervisor within thirty (30) minutes of your starting time if
you will not be at work, or if you will be late, so plans can be made
accordingly. Employees are expected to notify their supervisor directly
of their absence or late arrival immediately upon the opening of the
business day. TELEPHONE CALLS TO A FELLOW EMPLOYEE OR THE SWITCHBOARD
OPERATOR ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE. Repeated and/or unexcused absences,
including extended unapproved sick leave, can affect your advancement,
raises and can result in disciplinary action up to and including discharge.
The Company recognizes that there may be times during the term of your
employment that extended leave for health reasons may require your
absence from your duties. The Company will endeavor to maintain a position
in accordance with the Family Medical Leave of Absence or Unpaid Medical
Leave of Absence Act of 1993.
22. Tardiness/Unauthorized Early
Departure
Tardiness and/or early departure is an abbreviated form of absence
which, from time-to-time, may legitimately occur. However, chronic
and habitual tardiness/unauthorized early departure places an unfair
burden on the Company, our customers, and your fellow employees. If
you are unavoidably detained, you must telephone and
SPEAK
PERSONALLY WITH YOUR SUPERVISOR within thirty (30) minutes of your
starting time to advise that you will be late and when
you will arrive. Chronic tardiness/unauthorized early departure is
sufficient basis for disciplinary action and termination of employment.
Time records of all employees are reviewed and approved by management
each week.
23. Your Supervisor
Your supervisor (the department manager in most departments) is responsible
for the overall performance of the department in which you work. You
are required to adhere to his direction.
24. No Solicitation / Distribution
In order to avoid interference with your work and the work of others,
solicitation for any purpose by employees during working time in any
area of our facility is strictly prohibited.
No one who is not a CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE employee may enter Company
premises to distribute any printed matter or to solicit on behalf of
any organization or cause. Employees are not permitted to hold meetings,
conduct non-work related business or engage in any form of solicitation
on behalf of any club, organization or society during working hours
without permission of the General Manager. Working hours do not include
lunch and rest periods. In addition, employees are not permitted to
distribute literature on Company property at any time.
25. Whistle-Blower Policy
If at any time during your employment you become aware of a situation
within the Company that is unsafe or illegal, you should report the
condition to management immediately. Federal law protects you from
any retaliatory actions when reporting alleged criminal violations.
This policy will allow management the opportunity to correct any problems
within the Company.
26. Binding Arbitration Program
In consideration for accepting or continued employment with CRISWELL
AUTOMOTIVE, notwithstanding any claims, representations, statements
or disclaimers in this Employee Handbook, CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE and the
employee agree that all disputes arising out of, or relating to, employment
with CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE or the cessation of that employment, shall
be settled by mandatory arbitration, except those disputes identified
below. The arbitration shall be administered by the American Arbitration
Association ("AAA") under its Employment Dispute Resolution
Rules and judgment of the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) is final
and shall be entered in any court having jurisdiction. A set of AAA
Employment Dispute Resolution Rules for arbitration will be maintained
by CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE.
The employee consents to having personal jurisdiction in the State
of Maryland and agrees to service of process within this jurisdiction
by way of certified mail, return receipt requested and signed by the
employee. Nothing herein shall restrict service of process to this
method. As part of the judgment rendered, the prevailing party shall
be entitled to recover any and all attorney's fees or costs incurred
in defending or enforcing the claim.
The Claims that the parties hereby agree to resolve by arbitration
are any causes of action of any kind whatsoever, whether statutory
or based on common law, at law or in equity, regardless of the relief
or remedy sought, that either party may have against the other or that
either party may have against other employees of the Employer, or relating
to purported employment discrimination or violations of civil rights,
such as but not limited to those arising under Title VII of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Civil Rights
Act of 1866 and/or 1871, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of
1967, the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, Executive Order
11246, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the
Federal Fair Labor Standards Act, the Maryland Wage and Hour Law, or
any other applicable federal, state or local employment discrimination
statue or ordinance. Claims within the workers compensation system
are not covered. Claims regarding payment for medical or health care
must follow the applicable appeals procedure within their plans.
27. Introduction of Prospective Employees
Our Company welcomes suggestions as to prospective employees from people
you may know in the automobile business. They will be considered for
employment as staffing requirements occur. Relatives and personal friends
are n
ot necessarily the best candidates. Relatives may not work in the same
department.
28. Suggestions
Employee suggestions to improve productivity, profitability and customer
satisfaction are always welcome and will be carefully considered. Please
submit the suggestion(s) in writing to your department manager with
an information copy to the Dealer or General Manager for recognition
consideration.
29. Parking
Parking is the sole responsibility of the employee, and the Company
will not be responsible for any parking violations. The Company does
not insure the safety of any employee's vehicle; all employees park
their vehicles at their own risk. Each employee agrees to indemnify
and hold harmless the Company from any claims made against it by anyone
resulting from use of the designated parking areas. Further, each employee
specifically waives any claim against the Company for any liability
damages or losses incurred while their vehicle is parked or operated
on company property.
Employees are required to park their personal
vehicles in the designated areas as established by the Company.
Neighboring businesses maintain parking areas for their employees and
customers. Unauthorized parking in these parking areas may result in
fines, impounding and/or towing of your vehicle. Such inconsiderate
action can strain good relations with our neighbors.
EMPLOYEE PARKING IS PROHIBITED IN CUSTOMER DESIGNATED PARKING SPACES
AROUND THE BUILDING.
30. Safety and Fire
The Company is concerned with employee health and safety. Please do
your part to help us maintain a safe working environment free of potential
safety and fire hazards. The Company conforms to the Occupational Safety
and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA), and any other applicable state or local
laws. Consult your supervisor for details on OSHA or for assistance
and advice on the subject of safety.
At the time of your orientation, depending on your assigned department,
you received and acknowledged a list of "Safety Rules". During
your employment, there will be periodic seminars on safety, new product
handling, and other topics to help insure your safety and to serve
our customers.
The OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officer is responsible for our
compliance with the law. Safety and health directives from your supervisor
and/or the OSHA Compliance Officer must be carried out. Failure to
do so is grounds for dismissal.
31. Handling Hazardous or Toxic Materials
It is the Company's policy to comply with all state and federal regulations
for the handling and disposal of hazardous or toxic materials. Employees
should take extra care in handling and disposing of such materials
as appropriate. Illegal handling or disposal could result in criminal
charges, fines and termination. If any employee has knowledge or reason
to believe that this policy is being violated, the employee should
advise the supervisor immediately.
The Company maintains files and bulletins concerning shop safety rules,
and the use of the various toxic and hazardous substances in the dealership.
These rules and product files are available to you upon request to
your supervisor. In the event that you are injured on the job or believe
you have suffered from exposure to any hazardous substance or toxic
substances, instructions for treatment may be found in the Service
Manager's office.
Those employees working around asbestos are required to use a "wet
method" technique when repairing brakes or clutches. Proper housekeeping
and disposal of asbestos must be maintained by disposing of asbestos
in a double-walled plastic bag and marking the bag " asbestos".
32. Injuries
In accordance with the Workers' Compensation laws, the Company carries
insurance against injuries sustained in the course of your employment.
It is important that any accident or injury (including those involving
customers), no matter how small, that occurs to you either on Company
property or elsewhere while you are engaged in performing the duties
of your employment be reported to your supervisor
immediately.
First aid should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. Injuries
will be taken care of by your supervisor or the Human Resources Department
who will arrange for the services of a physician, if they are indicated.
Employees declining immediate treatment must sign a waiver so indicating,
which may jeopardize your rights under Workers' Compensation insurance.
The department manager or supervisor must record the date, time, place,
and nature of any injury sustained by any customer or employee on the
appropriate forms and bring the matter to the immediate attention of
the Dealer or General Manager.
33. Operating Motor Vehicles
Only authorized employees may operate customer or Company owned vehicles.
Federal child labor laws prohibit 16 year olds from driving on public
roads as an integral part of employment (allowed to drive on dealer
lot only). Seventeen year olds must hold a state driver's license,
complete a state-approved driver education course and wear seat belts
when driving. Seventeen year olds are only allowed to drive: during
daylight hours, within a 30-mile radius of the business, and allowed
to drive a maximum of one-third of daily work time and no more than
20% of the work week. Any employee who, as a part of his duties, has
a need to operate a customer or Company vehicle, must hold a valid
driver's license and a driving record acceptable to the Company. Effective
January 1996 employers who have drivers that require a Commercial Driver's
License (CDL) must administer an alcohol test using an Evidential Breath
Testing devise. As a condition of your employment you will be requested
to obtain a copy of your driving record from the Department of Motor
Vehicles. Employees must report to the Company if your driver's license
has been suspended or revoked (i.e. driving while intoxicated, failure
to report to court, etc.) affecting your ability to legally operate
Company owned or customer vehicles.
An unsatisfactory driving record, as determined by Company management
and/or the Company's insurance carrier, may subject the employee to
dismissal. Employees' driving record will be reviewed annually.
In the event that a customer's vehicle, Company vehicle, or demonstrator
sustains any damage as a result of your use or operation, you may be
liable for the damages. You must report any accident to your supervisor
immediately. Unauthorized use of a customer or Company vehicle is a
breach of trust and can constitute grounds for termination of employment.
Company employees will not, even if requested or authorized by an owner,
drive a customer's vehicle home overnight, unless authorized by management.
The purpose of this policy is to limit Company exposure to the possibility
of motor vehicle accidents during periods of heavy traffic.
CUSTOMER
VEHICLES IN FOR SERVICE WILL BE ROAD TESTED FOR REPAIR DIAGNOSIS ONLY
AND NOT FOR PERSONAL ERRANDS OR TRANSPORTATION TO LUNCH, ETC. Unauthorized
personal use of a customer or Company vehicle will subject the employee
to disciplinary action and/or dismissal.
Vehicles will be operated in a safe and courteous manner and in accordance
with all motor vehicle laws and regulations.
SMOKING, EATING,
AND DRINKING BEVERAGES ARE NOT PERMITTED IN CUSTOMER OR COMPANY VEHICLES,
NOR CHANGING THE CUSTOMER'S RADIO STATIONS, ETC. Employees
will comply with state law and wear seat belts for safety while driving
or riding in a customer vehicle, Company vehicle, or in an employee's
personal vehicle while on Company business.
34. Advancement
The dealership recognizes the necessity of personal advancement in
recognition of an employee's value to the Company. As openings occur
and economic business conditions allow, the Company strives to promote
from within whenever possible.
The following good qualities are most heavily considered for advancement
(not necessarily in this order):
1. Understanding of and concern for customer satisfaction.
2. Attendance, promptness and reliability.
3. Job performance to include work quality and productivity.
4. Overall enthusiasm.
5. Compliance with Company policies and procedures.
6. Cooperation with fellow employees and supervisors.
7. Consistently demonstrating extra effort in the
discharge of responsibilities.
8. Loyalty to the Company.
9. Demonstration of skills and abilities.
10. Honesty and integrity.
11. Positive comments from customers and co-workers.
35. Job Descriptions
Written job descriptions are provided for some positions within the
Company to ensure that every employee understands their responsibilities
and duties. The job description outlines the job title, immediate supervisor,
overall responsibilities, physical requirements, specific job duties
and may include acceptable standards of job performance. Written job
descriptions are a temporary management guide tool, subject to change
at any time.
36. Bulletin Boards and Meetings
Bulletin boards are maintained throughout the dealership to inform
employees of important matters regarding their jobs, meetings, and
other relevant subjects. Please familiarize yourself with the location
of your departmental bulletin board and read the notices carefully
to stay up to date. If a meeting is scheduled for members of your department,
or you individually, attendance is mandatory. All employees are required
to read and adhere to all memoranda, product information, recall bulletins,
repair manual procedures and all other information from manufacturers,
distributors, consultants and government agencies as considered necessary
by management.
The use of bulletin boards is confined to notices regarding Company
information or activities. An employee who wishes to post a notice
must obtain permission from your department manager.
Federal and State law requires that the following posters be displayed:
• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
• Occupational Safety and Health Act
• Federal Employee Polygraph Protection
• Family and Medical Leave Act Unemployment Insurance
and Reemployment Rights Act
• Fair Employment
• Workers Compensation
• Federal Wage-Hour
• Wage Payment & Collection
• Minor Labor Law
• Health Insurance Coverage (state)
• Veterans Benefits Improvement Act
37. Community Relations
It is important that our Company be known as being community-minded.
Such a reputation can be earned only if each employee, together with
the Company, accepts his full share of community responsibility. Management
encourages you to take part in civic activities.
38. Consumer Reports
A consumer report and/or an investigative consumer report including
information concerning your character, employment history, general
reputation, personal characteristics, police record, education, qualifications,
motor vehicle record, mode of living, and/or credit and indebtedness
may be obtained in connection with your application for and continued
employment with the Company. A consumer report containing injury and
illness records and medical information may be obtained after a tentative
offer of employment is made. Upon timely written request of the Personnel
Department of the Company, and within five (5) days of the request,
the name, address and telephone number of the reporting agency and
the nature and scope of the consumer report will be disclosed to you.
Before and adverse action is taken, based in whole or in part on the
information contained in the consumer report, you will be provided
a copy of the report, the name, address and telephone number of the
reporting agency, a summary of your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting
Act (amended September 30, 1997) as well as additional information
on your rights under the law.
In positions entrusted with cash or other funds, the Company can request
an employee credit report in accordance with the Fair Credit Report
Act.
II. GOVERNMENT LEGISLATED BENEFITS
1. Unemployment Fund
The Company pays 100 percent of the State and Federal unemployment
insurance premiums for each employee. This benefit is designed to pay
unemployment compensation to employees who lose their job for other
than: (1) misconduct or (2) quitting the job without good cause. It
is not designed to grant a "fair hearing" on the cause of
separation.
2. Social Security and Medicare
You are covered by Social Security (old-age, survivors and disability
benefits) and Medicare (medical coverage for eligible retirees or disabled
workers and their eligible dependents) under the Federal Insurance
Contribution Act (FICA). Your contribution is established by law and
deducted from your paycheck. The Company contributes an equal amount
on your behalf for your retirement benefit and Medicare.
3. Workers' Compensation
If you injure yourself on the job you may be eligible to receive Workers'
Compensation benefits. All employees are covered under the applicable
Workers' Compensation Act insurance which is paid in total by the Company.
To be eligible for workers' compensation benefits, an employee has
to incur an accidental injury in the course of and arising out of employment.
It is designed to (1) pay medical expenses for an on-the-job injury
or illness and (2) pay a portion of the employee's lost wages. If you
are injured on the job, no matter how slight, you must seek medical
attention and immediately report the accident or injury to your supervisor.
All accidents or injuries must be reported immediately and a claim
form obtained from and submitted to your supervisor. Further, a report
must be prepared in writing, signed by your supervisor and submitted
to the payroll administrator within 24 hours after the accident or
injury. The claim form must be submitted to both the Workers' Compensation
Board and our insurance carrier within ten (10) days of the accident.
Any hospital or medical service provider should be notified of the
Workers' Compensation claim when treatment or hospitalization is provided.
Generally, lost wages are paid for compensable injuries by the insurance
company at a percentage of the employee's average earnings commencing
shortly after the date of disability. Before returning to work after
an injury, employees may be required to be examined by the Company's
physician and a work release provided in order to be allowed to return
to work.
Some personnel, although undertaking work for the Company, are not
employees but are independent contractors. Those individuals are not
covered by Worker's Compensation and must provide their own insurance
coverage with proof by presenting an insurance certificate.
4. Extended Health Care Coverage (COBRA)
When You, Your Covered Spouse or Dependant Child May Be Entitled
to COBRA Continuation Coverage:
If you are covered by our Group Health Plan, you have a right to choose
continuation coverage if you lose your group health coverage because
of a reduction in your hours of employment or the termination of your
employment (for reasons other than your gross misconduct).
If you are the spouse or dependent child of an employee covered by
our Group Health Plan, you have the right to choose continuation coverage
for yourself, if you lose group health coverage under the Group Health
Plan for any of the following reasons:
1. The death of the employee;
2. A termination of the employee's employment (for reasons other than
gross misconduct) or reduction of hours worked which renders the employee
ineligible for coverage;
3. Divorce or legal separation of the employee; or
4. The employee becomes enrolled in Medicare; or
5. The dependent child ceases to be a "dependent child" under
the Group Health Plan.
When You or a Family Member Must Give Notice of Certain events to
the Plan:
Under the law, the employee or a family member has the responsibility
to inform our Human Resources Department of a divorce, legal separation
or child losing dependent status under our Group Health Plan. This
must be done within sixty (60) days of the later date of the event
or the date on which coverage would end under the Plan because of the
event. We have the responsibility to notify the various carriers of
the employee's death, termination, reduction in hours of employment
or Medicare enrollment. You or your family should give notice of such
event to the plan, also to avoid confusion over the status of your
health care should there be a delay in providing the notice.
When our Human Resources Department is notified that one of these events
has happened within the time specified, our Human Resources Department
will in turn notify you that you have the right to choose continuation
coverage and will send you the forms you need to elect COBRA continuation
coverage. You have at least sixty (60) days from the date you would
lose coverage because of one of the events described above or the date
you are notified of the right to elect COBRA coverage to inform our
Human Resources Department that you want continuation coverage. Your
regular coverage terminates on the date of the event. If you elect
continuation coverage within the sixty (60) day period, your coverage
will be retroactively reinstated without penalty, upon payment of the
premiums due. You have forty-five (45) days after your election to
pay the premiums due. IF YOU DO NOT CHOOSE CONTINUATION COVERAGE, YOUR
GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE WILL END.
The COBRA Continuation Coverage Available:
If you choose COBRA continuation coverage, we are required to give
you coverage which is identical to the coverage you had when the event
occurred that caused your health coverage under the Plan to end, but
you must pay for it. If there is a change in the health coverage provided
by the Plan to similarly situated active employees and their families,
that same change will be made in your COBRA Continuation Coverage.
How Long Your COBRA Continuation Coverage Will Last:
If you and/or your covered spouse or dependent child(ren) lose coverage
under the Plan because of your termination of employment or reduction
in hours, COBRA Continuation Coverage can be maintained for a maximum
of eighteen (18) months from the date of the event. If your spouse
or dependent child(ren) lose coverage under the Plan because of your
death, divorce or legal separation, entitlement to Medicare or because
a child ceases to be a "dependent child" under the Plan,
your spouse and/or dependent child(ren) can maintain COBRA Continuation
Coverage for a maximum of thirty-six (36) months from the date of any
such event.
When a Second Qualifying Event Occurs During an 18-Month COBRA Continuation
Period:
If during an 18-Month period of COBRA Continuation Coverage resulting
from loss of coverage due to your termination of your employment or
reduction in your hours, you die, become divorced or legally separated,
become entitled to Medicare or a covered child ceases to be a "dependant
child" under the Plan, the maximum. COBRA Continuation period
for the affected spouse and/or child is extended to thirty-six (36)
months from the date of your termination of employment or reduction
in hours (or the date you first become entitled to Medicare, if that
is earlier).
This extended period of COBRA Continuation Coverage is not available
to anyone who became your spouse after the termination of employment
or reduction in hours. However, this extended period of COBRA Continuation
Coverage will be available to any child(ren) born to, adopted by or
placed for adoption with you during the 18-Month COBRA Continuation
Coverage. In no case will any person be entitled to a period of COBRA
Continuation Coverage for more than 36 months.
Extended Coverage in Certain Cases of Disability During an 18-Month
COBRA Continuation Period:
If, during or before an eighteen (18) month period of COBRA Continuation
Coverage, the Social Security Administration makes a formal determination
that you or a covered spouse or dependant child are totally and permanently
disabled so as to be entitled to Social Security Disability Income
benefits, the disabled person and any covered family members who so
choose, may be entitled to keep the COBRA Continuation Coverage for
up to 29 months (instead of 18 months) or until the disabled person
becomes entitled to Medicare (whichever is sooner).
This extension is available if:
1. The Social Security Administration determines that the individual's
disability began no later than 60 days after the termination of employment
or reduction in hours and
2. You or another family member notifies the Plan of the Social Security
Administration determination within 60 days after that determination
was received by you or another covered family member, provided that
it is received before the end of the 18month COBRA Continuation period.
The cost of the COBRA Continuation Coverage during the additional 11-month
period of COBRA Continuation Coverage will be considerably higher than
the cost for that coverage during the 18-month period.
Addition of Newly Acquired Dependents:
If, while you are enrolled for COBRA Continuation Coverage, you marry,
have a newborn child, adopt a child or have a child placed with you
for adoption, you may enroll that spouse or child for coverage for
the balance of the period of COBRA Continuation Coverage by doing so
within 30 days after the marriage, birth, adoption or placement for
adoption. Adding a spouse or child may cause an increase in the amount
you must pay for COBRA Continuation Coverage.
Termination of Coverage:
The law also provides that your continuation coverage may be terminated
for any of the following reasons:
1. We no longer provide group health coverage to any of our employees;
2. You fail to make premium payments on time;
3. You, or one of your family members, become covered under another
group health plan that does not contain a valid exclusion or limitation
with respect to any preexisting condition you may have. If you become
covered under another group health plan, notify our Human Resources
Department;
4. You become entitled to Medicare (your spouse or dependent children
not enrolled will remain enrolled for continuation coverage);
5. Coverage is extended for up to twenty-nine (29) months due to disability
of a qualified beneficiary and there has been a final determination
that he/she is no longer disabled.
Paying for Your COBRA Continuation Coverage:
You do not have to show that you are insurable to choose continuation
coverage. By law, you have to pay all of the costs of your COBRA Continuation
Coverage. The cost of the premium will be the same rate we pay for
the plan plus an administration fee of 2%. Coverage and premiums are
subject to change reflecting increases or decreases in coverage or
premiums for active employees. If you are entitled to the eleven (11)
month extension as a result of a qualifying disability, you will be
required to pay a higher premium for any coverage during the extended
eleven (11) month period.
Grace Periods:
The initial payment for your coverage is due 45 days after you elect
COBRA Continuation Coverage. After that, payments are due on the first
day of the month, but you will have a 30-day grace period to make your
payments.
Whom to Contact if You Have Questions or if You Must Give the Plan
Notice of Changes in Your Circumstances:
If you have any questions about the law or this benefit, please contact
our Human Resources Department. Also, remember that to avoid loss of
any of your rights to obtain COBRA Continuation Coverage, you must
notify our Human Resources Department promptly and in writing if:
1. You changed marital status; or
2. You have a new dependant child; or
3. You or a covered dependent spouse or child has been determined to
be totally and permanently disabled by the Social Security Administration;
or
4. A covered child ceases to be a "dependent child" as that
term is defined by the Plan; or
5. If you or your spouse has changed address.
5. Health Information Privacy Policy (HIPPA)
We are committed to the laws and general principles of employee confidentiality
as set forth in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
Act (HIPAA) with regard to the dissemination of private health information
(PHI) of our employees.
Your Rights
Under HIPAA you have the right to:
• Request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of your
PHI;
• Inspect and copy your own health information which we maintain;
• Request that we amend health care information maintained in
our records;
We understand that the privacy of your health information is important.
We will take reasonable measures to safeguard your private health information.
Generally, we must obtain written consent before we can disclose any
of PHI. For example, we must obtain your written consent before we
can disclose information to our health carrier in order for your physician
to be paid for services rendered. We generally need your permission
to disclose PHI about you to others for the purpose of providing treatment
or medical services to you.
There are some circumstances under which we can disclose your private
health information without your consent. These circumstances include,
but are not limited to;
• Among our own staff, in accordance with the rules of confidentiality
under HIPAA;
• When responding to government agencies in regards to mandatory
payroll deductions;
• In health situations involving emergency medical care or treatment;
• To avert a serious threat to public health safety;
• For certain law enforcement purposes;
• Through a written agreement to outside contractors (called
A business associates) that provide us services;
• For national security purposes;
• For Workers' Compensation purposes
Security of Private Health Information (PHI)
We maintain appropriate physical, electronic and procedural safeguards
to assure the confidentiality and security of your private health information
(PHI) contained in our records. We restrict access to this information
about you to those who need to know that information in order to provide
services to you. Those who may become privileged to private health
information are the Human Resources Department, Controller and Dealer
Principal and your department manager. All of these individuals have
signed an affidavit called the Managers' Acknowledgement of Privacy
Obligations under HIPAA that certifies that they have agreed to keep
your private health information private.
Categories of Information That We Collect
We collect PHI about you from the following sources;
Information that we receive from you on applications and other forms;
Information about you when you need help with a billing issue;
Information that we receive from medical offices through your doctor's
notes for absences related to illness, short-term disability or FMLA;
Categories of Parties to Whom We May Disclose Information
We may disclose PHI to government agencies that demand information
related to mandatory payroll deductions (delinquent student loans,
child support, tax liens, etc.). However, most of the requested information
does not contain any PHI and therefore would not be an issue. In addition,
at your request, we may share information about you with our insurance
representatives who in turn will speak to our insurance companies about
a billing issue. In such cases, we will ask you to sign a HIPAA release
form giving us permission to share your protected health information
between agencies. Any such written consent may be revoked by you in
writing.
Accuracy of Your Protected Health Information
We strive to maintain the accuracy of your information. In order to
help us maintain that accuracy, you have the right to reasonable access
to your information. This is different from accessing your personnel
file. For access to your personnel file, please follow the procedure
outlined elsewhere in this Employee Handbook. If you believe any of
your PHI in our possession is inaccurate, you may request that we amend,
correct or delete the information that you believe to be erroneous.
If we concur with your conclusion, we will amend, correct or delete
the information in question.
Our Responsibilities
We are required by law to maintain the privacy of your health information
and to provide you with notice of our legal duties and privacy practices
with respect to your health information. We are required by law to
abide by the terms of this policy. We reserve the right to change the
terms of this policy and to make new policy provisions effective for
all PHI we maintain. You will be notified in writing should any changes
be necessary.
Complaints and Reporting Violations
You may complain to our Human Resources Department and/or the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights if you
believe that your privacy rights have been violated under HIPAA. You
will not be retaliated against for filing such a complaint.
III. COMPANY VOLUNTARY BENEFITS
1. Group Insurance
As one of the many benefits provided to you by the Company, CRISWELL
AUTOMOTIVE has a comprehensive medical, dental, prescription, short-term
disability and life insurance program for employees and their dependents.
After you have been with the Company for 90 days of continuous service,
you are eligible for coverage by our group insurance plan. The plan
is for your sole benefit and that of your eligible dependents. The
cost of this plan is shared by you and your Company. When you become
eligible to join the plan, you will be given a plan description booklet
and enrollment materials. PLEASE REMEMBER -IF AT ANY TIME YOUR DEPENDENTS
CHANGE, YOU MUST NOTIFY THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY
SO THAT THE NECESSARY CHANGES TO YOUR PAYROLL AND INSURANCE RECORDS
MAY BE MADE.
2. Section 125 Plan
Our Company offers a pre-tax benefits contribution option for employees.
This new concept in employee benefit coverage is known as a Section
125 Plan. A Section 125 Plan is a benefit plan that allows you to make
contributions toward premiums for medical insurance on a before-tax,
rather than an after-tax basis. This means your premium contributions
are deducted from your gross pay before income tax and Social Security
are calculated.
To participate in this plan, you simply need to complete the election
form and return it to your supervisor. By doing so, you elect to have
your gross pay reduced by an amount equal to your cost of medical insurance.
Once you have signed the Section 125 card, you may not make any changes
to your medical insurance coverage until August 1, unless the change
which you elect is a result of a change in family status (such as marriage,
divorce, death of a spouse or child, birth or adoption of a child or
termination of employment of your spouse). A change in election due
to a change in family status will be effective the next pay period.
3. Scheduled Paid Leave
Every full-time employee is entitled to scheduled paid leave after one (1) year of employment. Scheduled paid leave is taken on an anniversary year basis and
DOES NOTcarry over from one anniversary year to another. New employees will be eligible once they have achieved their one (1) year anniversary. Specific scheduled paid leave dates must be submitted on our scheduled paid leave form and approved by your department manager thirty (30) days in advance. If two employees request the same date, preference will be given based on seniority.
Scheduled Paid Leave Benefit is as follows:
Benefit |
When |
56 Hours |
Upon completion of 1 year
of full-time continuous employment from your starting date. |
80 Hours |
Upon completion of 2 years of full-time continuous employment from your starting date. |
120 Hours |
Upon completion of 10 years or more of full-time continuous
employment from your starting date |
To avoid misunderstandings, please keep in mind that:
• Scheduled Paid Leave may not be carried forward from one anniversary year to another anniversary year.
• Termination of employment (voluntary or involuntary) during
any year does not entitle the employee to any vScheduled Paid Leave.
If an observed holiday falls within your Scheduled Paid Leave period, you will
not be entitled to an additional day of Scheduled Paid Leave.
Salaried and Hourly employees.Salaried employees, including managers and service advisors, will be paid scheduled paid leave for their eligible scheduled paid leave hours at their current weekly salary for a normal forty-hour work period (does not include or affect any commission or bonuses). Clock hour personnel will be compensated for eligible scheduled paid leave time at their hourly rate. Scheduled paid leave hours will not be included in calculating overtime.
Technicians (Mechanical, Body Shop, Paint):
Scheduled paid leave will be calculated based on the most recent W-2 wages.
Salespersons>
Scheduled paid leave will be calculated based on the most recent W-2 wages not to exceed $1,750.00 per week.
EMPLOYEES THAT ARE ELIGIBLE FOR 80 HOURS AND WISH TO USE THEM CONSECUTIVELY MUST HAVE PRIOR APPROVAL FROM MANAGEMENT.
EMPLOYEES THAT ARE ELIGIBLE FOR 120 HOURS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO TAKE THEM CONSEUTIVELY.
EXCESSIVE UNSCHEDULED LEAVE COULD RESULT IN THE REDUCTION OF PAID LEAVE BENEFITS.
MANAGERS ARE DISCOURAGED FROM TAKING SCHEDULED PAID LEAVE DURING THE LAST WEEK OF THE MONTH IN ORDER FOR MONTH-END BUSINESS ACTIVITIES TO BE HANDLED IN A TIMELY MANNER.
4. Holidays
The following paid legal holidays are observed by the Company:
VEHICLE SALES DEPARTMENTS
New Year's Day (January 1)
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day (December 25)
ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS
New Year's Day (January 1)
Memorial Day
Independence Day (July 4)
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day (December 25)
Since some holidays promote additional sales volume, management reserves
the right to stay open on these holidays. Certain personnel may be
required to assist on these days.
Should a Company observed legal holiday fall on a Saturday or Sunday,
the employee will be paid for the holiday without additional time off.
Should any of these holidays occur during your approved vacation period,
they will be charged as part of your vacation. To be entitled to pay
for any holiday, an employee is expected to work the day before and
the day following the holiday.
Holiday pay for salaried employees is the individual's regular salary
or draw.
Clock hour employees will receive holiday pay at your hourly rate times
8 hours. Holiday hours will not be included in calculating overtime.
5. Medical Statements
A physician's statement (doctor's certificate) is required when absence
occurs for a continuous period of more than three (3) working days,
after surgery, or after an accident regardless of the length of absence.
At management's discretion, a medical statement may also be required
for absences of less than three days.
6. Special Leaves
Special leaves of absence may be granted for compelling personal reasons.
Consult your supervisor if you are in need of such leave prior to the
time that you are eligible for that leave.
7. Family and Medical Leave of Absence (FMLA)
Part 1. Employees Who Qualify for a Leave
Under The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993.
CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE will grant an unpaid leave of absence to regular
full-time and regular part-time employees (who meet the requirements
described below) for the care of a child after birth or adoption or
placement with the employee for foster care, the care of a family member
(spouse, child or parent) with a serious health condition, or in the
event of an employee's own serious health condition. Leaves will be
granted for a period of up to twelve (12) weeks in any twelve (12)
month period. The twelve month period from which the period of leave
will be calculated in a "rolling" twelve month period measured
backward from the date an employee begins Family and Medical Leave
Act leave.
An employee must have completed at least twelve (12) months of continuous
employment with the Company and have worked a minimum of 1,250 hours
in the 12 months prior to the leave to be eligible for such leave.
Employees who do not meet these requirements may apply for a leave
of absence subject to the conditions described in Part 2.
Child/Family Care Leave
If you request a leave of absence to care for a child after birth,
adoption or placement in your home for foster care or to care for a
covered family member with a serious health condition, you will be
granted
unpaid leave under the following conditions:
1. If the leave is planned in advance, you must provide
us with at least thirty (30) days' notice prior to the anticipated
leave date, using our official Leave-of-Absence Request Form.
2. If the leave is unexpected, you should notify your
supervisor by filing the Leave-of-Absence Request Form as far in advance
of the anticipated leave date as is possible. (Normally, this should
be within two (2) business days of when you become aware of your need
for the leave.)
All group health benefits (e.g., major medical and hospitalization,
etc.) will continue during the leave provided you continue regular
employee contributions to these plans. (Other benefits will be governed
in accordance with the terms of each benefit plan.)
Employees requesting a leave to care for a covered family member with
a serious health condition may be required to provide certification
from the family member's physician attesting to the nature of the serious
health condition. Also provide the probable length of time treatment
will be required and the reasons that the employee is required to care
for this family member. Employees may also be required to provide additional
physician's statements at our request. Further, the family member may
be required to submit to medical examinations by physicians designated
by us at our discretion and at our expense.
Description of a Qualifying Serious Health Condition
"Serious health condition" means an illness, injury, impairment
or physical or mental condition that involves either:
1. Any period of incapacity or treatment connected with inpatient care
(i.e. an overnight stay) in a hospital, hospice or residential medical-care
facility and any period of incapacity or subsequent treatment in connection
with such inpatient care or;
2. Continuing treatment by a health care provider which includes any
period of incapacity (i.e. inability to work, attend school or perform
other regular daily activities) due to:
A. A health condition (including treatment for or recovery from) lasting
more than three (3) consecutive days and any subsequent treatment or
period of incapacity relating to the same condition that also includes;
treatment two or more times by a health care provider; or one treatment
by a health care provider with a continuing regimen of treatment or
B. Pregnancy or prenatal care; certain chronic serious health conditions;
certain permanent of long-term conditions; or absences for a condition
which would likely result in a period of incapacity of more than three
(3) days if not treated (e.g. chemotherapy treatments for cancer).
Leaves for Employee's Serious Health Condition
If you request a leave of absence for your own serious health condition,
you will be granted leave under the following conditions:
1. If the leave is planned in advance, you must provide
us with at least thirty (30) days' notice prior to the anticipated
leave date, using our official Leave-of-Absence Request Form.
2. If the leave is unexpected, you should notify your
supervisor and Personnel Department by filing the Leave-of-Absence
Request Form as far in advance of the anticipated leave date as is
possible. (Normally, this should be within two (2) business days of
when you become aware of your need for the leave.)
3. Any time that you expect to be or are absent for
more than five (5) consecutive work days as a result of your own serious
health condition (including pregnancy and injuries covered by Workers'
Compensation), you will be required to submit appropriate medical certification
from your physician. Such certification must include at a minimum,
the date the disability began, a diagnosis and probable date of your
return to work. Any health related absence of longer than five (5)
consecutive days will be deemed by the Company as you being on FMLA
leave unless you are otherwise advised.
If you are eligible for short-term disability benefits or Workers'
Compensation benefits, your twelve (12) week FMLA leave entitlement
will run concurrently with your Workers' Compensation or disability
leave.
All group health benefits will continue during the leave provided you
continue regular employee contributions to these plans. (Other benefits
will be governed in accordance with the terms of each benefit plan.)
During your leave, you may also be required to provide us with additional
physician's statements on request attesting to your continued disability
and inability to work. You may also be required to submit to medical
examinations by physicians designated by us at our discretion and at
our expense, at the beginning of, during, or at the end of your leave
period and to provide us with access to your medical records as required.
Before you will be permitted to return from medical leave, you will
be required to submit a note from your physician indicating that you
are capable of returning to work and performing the essential functions
of your position with or without reasonable accommodation. Where required,
we will consider making reasonable accommodation for any disability
you may have in accordance with applicable laws.
Employee Benefits During Leave
All our benefits that operate on an accrual basis (e.g. vacation and
sick days) will cease to accrue during the leave period.
If you are eligible for short-term disability benefits or Workers'
Compensation benefits, your twelve (12) week FMLA leave entitlement
will run concurrently with your Workers' Compensation or disability
leave.
All group health benefits will continue during the leave provided you
continue regular employee contributions to these plans, if any. Other
benefits will be governed in accordance with the terms of each benefit
plan. In the event that an employee elects not to return to work upon
completion of the approved unpaid leave of absence, we may recover
from the employee the cost of any payments made by us to maintain the
employee's coverage unless the failure to return to work was for reasons
beyond the employee's control. Benefit entitlements based upon length
of service will be calculated as of the last paid work day prior to
the start of the unpaid leave of absence.
Leave Entitlement
Eligible employees are entitled to leave for up to twelve (12) weeks
during any twelve (12) month period (or in the case of a leave for
an employee's own serious health condition, where a leave extension
is requested and approved).
Leave taken for the care for a child after birth, adoption or placement
in your home for foster care must be taken in consecutive work weeks.
Leave taken for the employee's or a covered family member's serious
health condition may be taken consecutively, intermittently or on a
reduced work/leave schedule based on certified medical necessity. In
such instances, we will follow applicable federal and state laws in
reviewing and approving such leave requests.
Reinstatement Rights
Eligible employees are entitled, on return from leave within twelve
(12) week period, to be reinstated to their former position or an equivalent
position with equivalent employment benefits, pay and other terms and
conditions of employment. Exceptions to this provision may apply if
business circumstances have changed (e.g., if the employee's position
is no longer available due to a job elimination). Exceptions may also
apply for certain highly compensated employees under certain conditions.
In addition, employees on a leave extension are not guaranteed reinstatement.
These employees will be handled in accordance with the reinstatement
provisions in Part 2.
Part 2. Medical Leaves for Employees Who Do Not Qualify for
Leave Under The Family and Medical Leave Act.
Full-time regular and part-time regular employees who have less than
twelve (12) months of continuous employment with the Company and/or
who have not worked a minimum of 1,250 hours in the 12 months prior
to their leave and who are suffering from a serious health condition
may request an unpaid medical leave of absence, subject to the following
terms and conditions:
1. Leave requests must be made at least thirty (30)
days in advance of the date the employee would like the leave to begin
or, in emergency situations, with as much advance notice as is practical,
using our official Leave-of-Absence Request Form. (Normally, this should
be within two (2) business days of when the need for the leave becomes
known to the employee.)
2. The certification requirements and the conditions
for required use of accrued time off, benefits accrual and continuation
of group health insurance during leave set forth in Part 1 apply to
all leave requests.
3. Leaves will be limited to a six (6) week maximum
duration.
4. Reinstatement will not be guaranteed to any employee
requesting a leave under this Part 2. However, we will endeavor to
place employees returning from leave in their former position or a
position comparable in status and pay, subject to budgetary restrictions,
our need to fill vacancies and our ability to find qualified temporary
replacements.
All questions regarding leaves of absence should be directed to, and
Leave-of-Absence Request Forms are available from our Human Resources
Department.
8. Flexible Leave Act
Effective October 1, 2008 the Flexible Leave Act, Chapter 644 of the
Laws of Maryland 2008, authorizes employees of employers with 15 or
more individuals to use "leave with pay" for an illness in
the employee's immediate family which includes a child, spouse or parent.
Leave with pay is considered time away from work for which an employee
is paid and includes sick leave, vacation time, and compensatory time.
An employee may only use leave with pay that has been earned. Employees
who earn more than one type of leave with pay may elect the type and
amount of leave with pay to be used. An employee who uses leave with
pay under this law is required to comply with the terms of any collective
bargaining agreement or employment policy. The Flexible Leave Act prohibits
an employer from discharging, demoting, suspending, disciplining or
otherwise discriminating against an employee or threatening to take
any of these actions against an employee who exercises rights under
this law. This law does not affect leave granted under the Federal
Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA).
9. Time To Vote
The Company recognizes the importance and privilege of the American
right to vote under our democratic system, therefore the Company urges
all employees to vote.
10. Employee Savings 401(k) Plan
The Company has established an employee pre-tax 401(k) plan to encourage
savings and provide income after employee retirement. The Company does
make regular contributions to the Social Security fund based on your
earnings and these contributions do provide you with some retirement
income. However, the Company adopted this plan to provide employees
with an incentive to supplement the retirement benefits provided by
Social Security, for you and your family. Employee contributions are
made automatically by payroll deduction after six (6) months of continuous
employment.
11. Uniforms
The Company requires uniforms for some job positions as a means of
protection, identification, professionalism, and to preserve the employee's
personal wardrobe. Uniforms are to be maintained and worn at all times.
The cost of purchasing and or leasing, cleaning and maintenance is shared by the Company.
12. Salesperson Certification
The Company encourages and endorses vehicle salesperson certification
by the manufacturer and National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA).
Certification recognizes professional salesperson selling skills, competence,
product knowledge, business law and ethics in dealing with today's
knowledgeable and demanding consumers. In recognition of a salesperson's
certification achievement, exam cost (including registration fee) will
be paid by the Company
IF THE TEST IS PASSED. All
salespersons must achieve and maintain manufacturer sales certification.
13. Technician Certification
The Company encourages and endorses mechanical, body and paint technician
certification by the National Institute For Automotive Service Excellence
(A.S.E.). Certification recognizes technician skills and competence
to diagnose and repair today's sophisticated and highly technical vehicles.
In recognition of a technician's certification achievement, exam cost
(including registration fee) will be paid by the Company IF THE TEST
IS PASSED. All technicians must achieve and maintain manufacturer technical
certification.
14. Educational Expenses
To encourage self-development, the Company will assist financially
in the payment of tuition for approved outside educational courses
which:
• Are industry related
• Will serve to improve the quality of the employee's job performance
• Enhances the employee's future career opportunities at this
dealership.
To qualify for educational assistance, the following conditions must
be met:
a. Request for benefits must be made and approved
by Company management prior to enrollment in the course.
b. Course(s) must have a direct bearing on the employee's
work for the Company and serve to improve the quality of your job performance.
c. The school must be an educational institution accredited
by nationally recognized agencies.
d. The employee must complete the course with a passing
grade, equivalent to a "C" or better, a transcript from the
school is required, prior to reimbursement from the Company.
e. The employee has completed one (1) years' service
with the Company after completing the course. (The employee may apply
for the benefit, take an approved course any time after hire, but no
refund will be made until the service requirement is met).
Sales, office automation, technical courses and related training are
mandatory when required by the supervisor. These courses will improve
your job performance and your potential. Refusal to attend continuing
educational opportunities reflects on your professionalism and could
result in termination of employment.
The Company may decide to compensate employees while attending Company
required education and training courses. However, in the event an employee
leaves the Company within one (1) year after completion of the course,
the employee will be responsible for reimbursing the Company 100% of any
expenses paid while attending such education or training course (See pro-rated reimbursements below) Consult your supervisor for details. Leaving the Company within two (2) years, employee owes 80% reimbursement, withing three (3) years, employee owes 60% reimbursement, within four (4) years, employee owes 40% reimbursement, within five (5) years employee owes 20% reimbursement.
15.Travel Expense Reimbursement
It may be necessary for you to travel, on management approved Company
business or for training. Paid travel expenses will only be eligible
for reimbursement in connection with your trip for: transportation
(i.e. airfare, rental car, gas, taxi and bus), room and meals
($30.00 per day meal allowance). Personal
expenses such as phone calls, entertainment and side trips will not
be subject to Company reimbursement.
PAID RECEIPTS MUST BE
FURNISHED WITH A DETAILED EXPENSE REPORT.
16.Purchase of Vehicles from the Company
While management will not attempt to dictate to employees what make
of vehicle you buy or from whom you buy it, it should be obvious that
a loyal employee would wish to buy and drive one of the products sold
by this Company.
New Vehicles -- Employees may purchase new vehicles
at invoice cost for domestic vehicles Vehicles and at invoice cost
plus pack on import vehicles, less any applicable factory incentives
at the time of delivery, will be extended to all employees on purchases
of new vehicles. This includes all optional equipment installed at
the factory (EXCEPT IN TIMES OF STRIKE, SHORT SUPPLY OR PURCHASE OF
A SPECIALTY VEHICLE). When a used vehicle trade-in is involved, the
employee will have the option of disposing of it himself or accepting
the dealership appraised value at the time of purchase. Employee vehicle
purchases will be handled by management and considered a "house
deal" with no salesperson commission or bonus paid.
Used Vehicles -- Because of the difficulty in setting
a sale price formula, all used vehicle Vehicles sales to employees
will be handled on an individual basis by the General Sales Manager.
Management reserves the right to restrict this policy to employees
who have been employed not less than one (1) year, one (1) vehicle
per year, and only to the employee himself, not to members of his family.
17. After Hours
An employee wishing to use the premises
after normal working
hours, must obtain permission in advance from the Department Manager.
Employees may work on their
personal vehicles (owned by and
registered to the employee or spouse), or use Company equipment after
regular business hours, provided that a supervisor is present and that
such work will in no way hinder the normal Company business operation.
Such work MUST be cleared by the supervisor. The dealership may provide
access to the shop area, subject to the requirements that any use be
approved by shop management and that the work area is thoroughly cleaned
after use by the employee. Using the facilities/equipment is a privilege.
Don't endanger your job by failing to observe these reasonable rules.
NO
VEHICLES WILL BE REPAIRED WITHOUT HAVING A REPAIR ORDER SIGNED BY THE
MANAGER. The Company accepts no liability for damages or injuries
incurred while operating during this "after hours" period.
Remember that "after hours" work times are outside the scope
of worker compensation insurance coverage and no claims can be filed
for injuries or other loss.
18. Parts & Service Discounts
Employees have the privilege of purchasing parts for their own personal
vehicle (owned by and registered to the employee) normally stocked
and sold at cost plus 15 percent. All parts must be purchased over
the retail parts counter.
An employee who engages in a personal parts supply business in competition
with the dealership parts department will be discharged. Special order
parts, racing parts, or other parts, at the Parts Manager's option,
may not carry any discount but will be sold at the normal selling price.
There is a 10% labor discount for employee owned vehicles who have
them serviced at the dealership.
19. Business Cards
The Company will furnish business cards to employees.
20. Bonus Plan
Employees may receive bonuses from time to time. These are based on
individual merit, the Company's profitability and other factors deemed
significant by the Company. Whether or not bonuses are granted and
the amount of any bonuses granted are determined by the Dealer at his
sole discretion. Receipt of a bonus in a given year is not an indication
that similar performance will result in a bonus in the future. A bonus
is completely discretionary and there is never any entitlement to it.
The bonus is something that is earned and only loyal employees who
will remain with the Company for the foreseeable future may receive
a bonus.
21. Free Passes or Discounts on Attractions
Since the Company does business with many merchants in the area, we
may, on occasion, receive free or discounted passes to professional
athletic events, motor sports activities, theme parks, plays, concerts,
etc. When received, they will be made available to employees as an
appreciation for your positive efforts and continued concern for Company
success.
22. Medical / Dental Appointments
Whenever possible, employees should schedule medical or dental appointments
before or after work or, if necessary, at the beginning or end of the
business day. If you must take time off from work for such appointments,
you may take earned vacation, earned sick leave or personal leave.
23. Salesperson's Sales License
The Company will not pay for the state sales license application fee
for vehicle sales employees. The employee will be responsible for out-of-state
consumer reports (police record, etc.) checking fees if applicable.
IV. COMPENSATION
1. Pay Scales
The Company seeks to maintain pay scales and fringe benefits which
are competitive with similar positions at other companies in the area.
Your compensation is determined by your supervisor in conjunction with
the total management team. The level of your compensation is confidential
and reflects the Company's regard for you as an essential member of
the staff. Every effort is made to pay employees fairly in accordance
with job responsibilities and the employee's experience, skills and
productivity.
2. Pay Increases and Transfers
Your pay can increase (subject to favorable economic business conditions)
as your skills, experience, education and value to the Company increase.
The Company utilizes performance pay plans based on the employee's
position and performance.
The Company reserves the right to transfer employees to whatever job,
department or location may be necessary to accomplish the objectives
of the Company.
3. Bonus Plan
Employees may receive bonuses from time to time. These are based on
individual merit, the Company's profitability and other factors deemed
significant by the Company. Whether or not bonuses are granted and
the amount of any bonuses granted are determined by senior management.
4. Part-time, Temporary and Exempt Employees
Part-time employees work less than 40 hours per week. Temporary employees
are those employees who work less than 120 days in one year.
Part-time and temporary employees are not covered by any fringe benefits
offered by the Company.
Exempt employees are defined as employees engaged as salespersons,
technicians, parts counter personnel and management. Exempt employees,
in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act who meet the test for
each job category, are exempt from overtime requirements. All other
employees are non-exempt and are eligible for pre-approved overtime
when requested and authorized, with advance Company notice whenever
possible.
5. Re-Hire
An employee re-hired after a break in service shall in every respect
be treated as a new employee.
6.Jury Duty
If you are called for Jury duty and required to serve, time off will
be granted as dictated by the schedule of the court. Employees must
GIVE ADVANCE NOTICE and furnish to your supervisor a time verification
document from the clerk of the court showing the days you served as
a juror or subpoenaed witness.
7.Military Leave
If you are called to active military duty or to Reserve or National
Guard training, or if you volunteer for the same, you should submit
copies of your military orders to your supervisor as soon as possible.
You will be granted a military leave of absence without pay for the
period of military service or training, in accordance with applicable
federal and state laws. Your eligibility for reinstatement after your
military duty or training is completed is determined in accordance
with applicable federal and state laws.
8. Inclement Weather
In the event of inclement weather such as heavy snow, hurricane, tornado,
etc. and the dealership would be closed, employee early departure or
absence from work would be without pay. Employees will be required
to telephone the dealership to determine the status of operations.
9. Termination of Employment
Since employment with the Company is "at-will", either the
employee or the Company is privileged to terminate employment at any
time with or without cause. It is important for the employee's personnel
record that termination be brought about properly. There are five main
types of termination procedures:
1. Resignation — An employee who terminates
service with the Company is requested to give written notice to the
immediate supervisor. Employees should give at least a 2 week notice.
An employee submitting a resignation must give the minimum notice,
which may be waived at management's option. This will allow the department
manager ample time to arrange for a replacement.
2. Quitting — This is the term applied when
an employee leaves without notice or with less than the requested notice.
3. Layoff — This term refers to a termination
of employment by the Company because of reorganization or lack of work.
If you are laid off and then are recalled and re-employed by the Company
within 90 days, your prior service will be credited for vacation purposes
only. Time spent on layoff will not, however, be used to accrue vacation
time. If you are recalled from layoff and do not return when called,
you will be considered a terminated employee and treated as a new employee
if ever re-employed by the Company.
4. Discharge — An involuntary termination initiated
by the Company.
5. Job Abandonment — Absence from work for 3
consecutive days without reporting the reason within 24 hours of first
day of absence.
Benefits at Termination — When employment is
terminated, regardless of the circumstances, the employee will not
be paid for any unused vacation entitlement or sick leave. Insurance
programs will end on the last day of employment. (However, see your
group insurance benefits handbook for an explanation of continuation
coverage and conversion rights.)
All employees are considered "at will" employees unless they
have a WRITTEN contract to the contrary. "At will" means
employment may be terminated with or without reason by either the employee
or the Company.
Seniority will be broken and employment terminated for any one of the
following reasons determined by management. Below is a partial list
of some of those reasons:
• Termination for any reason.
• Resignation.
• Lay-off for a period of one (1) year.
• Violation of Company policy stated in this Employee Handbook,
verbal directives or other posted rules.
• Substandard job performance.
If at the time of discharge or resignation the employee is indebted
to the Company for any sum of money, including but not limited to,
advancements, service or parts costs, damage to Company property, loss
of Company property, the employee by accepting employment, hereby irrevocably
authorizes the Company to withhold those funds that are due from the
employee, from salary, bonuses, commissions, etc. In addition, a departing
employee must return to your supervisor all Company property including
but not limited to: Company vehicle(s), uniforms, tools, equipment,
dealer keys, Employee Handbook, salesperson's license, dealer tag,
etc.
No severance pay will be issued by the Company to any employee who
is terminated, voluntarily or involuntarily.
10. Lay-Off
Changes in economic or business conditions can create a difficult situation
which makes it necessary to cut back our work force. In the event that
a need for a lay-off should arise, the discretion of management will
determine which employees shall be retained. If a new employee is playing
a vital role in the dealership, additional criteria may be used. The
Company has found that teamwork, reliability, productivity, and aggressive
selling almost always prevent layoffs, regardless of economic conditions.
Let's work together to keep it that way.
11. References
In the event of termination of employment (voluntary or involuntary),
no references good or bad will be given by the Company. The Company
will verify the position, compensation and dates of employment only.
While an employee may request a reference from any supervisor, no supervisor
is authorized to give references from the Company. Any reference which
may be given by a supervisor represents solely the personal view of
the supervisor and the Company disclaims any responsibility for the
reference.
V. GENERAL EMPLOYMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Failure to adhere to the following Company policies and
guidelines could result in disciplinary action up to andincluding dismissal.
1. Management Responsibilities
Management responsibilities to employees include:
1. Provide equal employment opportunity.
2. Offer appropriate training, educational and other
opportunities within the Company and encourage each employee to develop
his capacities and potential.
3. Make demonstrated ability and qualifications the
primary basis of selection and promotion.
4. Consider employee satisfaction and morale as well
as Company productivity, efficiency and cost.
5. Maintain open channels of communication; create
an atmosphere of understanding, cooperation and mutual trust.
6. Promote Customer Satisfaction and Owner Loyalty
to CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE.
7. Review performance periodically.
8. Set and maintain a professional example.
9. Abide by performance standards as determined by
upper management.
2. Employee Responsibilities
The job performance and personal conduct of each employee reflects
directly upon the image and reputation of the Company. It is expected
that each employee will conform to the established Company policies
and that dealings with customers and fellow employees will at all times
reflect honesty and the highest ethical standards. Employees will observe
the following guidelines to maintain the ethical standards of CRISWELL
AUTOMOTIVE:
1. Promote Customer Satisfaction and Owner Loyalty
to CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE.
2. Outside activities must be acceptable and compatible
with an employee's identity with the Company. This includes the prohibition
of business ventures, business and personal investments, and outside
employment, any of which would create a conflict of interest.
3. Employees must not accept from, or give to, customers
and suppliers gifts which exceed a value of $25.00; or accept commissions
or fees of any nature from customers; or borrow from customers or suppliers
(see Gratuities & Gifts for clarification).
4. Personal money management is a reflection of the
individual capabilities of an employee. Therefore, each employee is
expected to AVOID OVERDRAFTING OF CHECKING ACCOUNTS, to avoid delinquent
indebtedness and to handle personal finances in a businesslike manner.
5. Integrity is a "must" for continued employment.
Theft, embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, false entries in any
book, report or statement with intent to defraud, and falsification
of expense accounts is cause for immediate dismissal and possible prosecution.
6. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH EMPLOYEE
TO REPORT TO MANAGEMENT ANY KNOWLEDGE THAT A CRIME HAS BEEN OR WILL
BE COMMITTED. NOT REPORTING COULD PLACE THE EMPLOYEE IN THE POSITION
AS AN ACCESSORY.
7. Strict compliance with laws and regulations is
necessary. Noncompliance could result in adversity both for the employee
and the Company.
8. A CUSTOMER'S CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION MUST NOT
BE DIVULGED TO THIRD PARTIES EXCEPT WITH PROPER AUTHORITY FROM THE
CUSTOMER, OR AFTER PROPER LEGAL PROCESS.
9. An employee will not discuss nor enter into agreements
with competitors concerning Company prices of automobiles or services,
computer generated information, other competitive policies or business
practices.
10. Disclosure of Company financial information and
policies will be made only upon authorization of the Dealer or General
Manager or other officers of the Company.
11. The Company's physical properties, information
and influence will not be used for the private advantage of any employee
or other person.
VI. EMPLOYEE CONDUCT AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Failure to adhere to the following Company policies and guidelinescould
result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
1. Standards of Professionalism
We often hear the term "professional" used to describe someone
who conforms to the technical or ethical standards of a profession.
But what are the characteristics of a professional? We encourage all
employees working for this Company to adopt the following characteristics
of an "automotive professional":
Be aware of your personal appearance and grooming.
WEAR DEALER
PROVIDED COMPANY UNIFORMS (and name badges) or conform to
departmental dress codes described in this handbook.
Be conscious of your language, courtesy, manners and conduct with other
employees as well as customers.
• A professional exhibits a noticeable sense of commitment
to quality and customer satisfaction.
• Absorb every available source of product knowledge
on and off the job.
Demonstrate a sense of "professional pride" in your work
habits, be an ambassador of our products and your Company.
2. Professional Conduct
Employees shall conduct themselves in a courteous and professional
manner at all times. Negative, abusive, profane or obscene language
will not be tolerated on Company premises. Employees violating this
policy will be subject to disciplinary action or termination of employment.
Verbal and/or physical threats against management, the Company, customers
or fellow employees, while on the premises, could subject the offending
employee to termination as well as law enforcement charges by the Company.
Assault on a fellow employee or customer, possession of firearms or
other weapons on Company property, will all be grounds for immediate
dismissal.
Consideration for the rights of one another requires that an employee
conduct himself in a respectable and orderly manner. Personal conduct
outside the dealership which is damaging to the reputation of the employee
would also be considered damaging to the reputation of the Company
and could be cause for dismissal. This would include any conduct which
is in violation of the law.
Rules of Conduct
An employee may be disciplined or discharged for "just cause," which
includes, but is not limited to, the following breaches of Rules of
Conduct and as a private employer, the Company has the prerogative
to dismiss an employee for any reason or for no reason ("at-will").
Offenses subject to immediate dismissal:
1. Insubordination — refusal to comply with
the instructions of a supervisor.
2. Refusal to accept a proper job assignment.
3. Refusal to work overtime when a reasonable request
is made.
4. Gambling or conducting unlawful games of chance
on the premises.
5. Leaving your station during regular working hours
without permission is subject to disciplinary action and, if repeated
after warnings, dismissal.
6. Violation of Company policies.
3. Productivity
We ask each employee to take personal pride in his Company and in his
work. We expect each employee to put in a full day's work so that maximum
productivity is achieved. By productivity we mean high quality work
in sufficient quantity with minimum errors and lost time. Productivity
is directly related to Company profitability and to employee job security,
pay increases and advancement.
4. Personal Appearance
Each employee maintaining a professional image is vital to the success
of the Company in our transactions with customers and the public. Employees
must attire themselves in a neat, clean, and businesslike manner.
Acceptable attire for men in management, sales, and office positions
includes Criswell attire, trousers, dress shirts, ties and leather
shoes. For women, acceptable attire includes dresses, suits, non-revealing
blouses and sweaters, skirts, dressy slacks and leather shoes.
SHORT
TOPS, TEE SHIRTS, JEANS AND OVERLY CASUAL CLOTHES OR FOOTWEAR ARE NOT
ACCEPTABLE.
IDENTIFICATION NAME BADGES SHALL BE WORN AT ALL TIMES.
WHERE REQUIRED, UNIFORMS WILL BE WORN AND PROPERLY MAINTAINED
AT ALL TIMES.
An employee who arrives for work in unacceptable attire or who is improperly
groomed will be sent home to correct his appearance. Your supervisor
will establish the dress code applicable to your department.
5. Housekeeping
One indication of a good employee is the condition and appearance of
his work area. Orderliness in your work area reduces accidents, improves
health conditions, reduces fire hazards, adds to the efficiency of
your work, improves the quality of our service, and portrays a favorable
image to our customers. Employees are required to maintain individual
work areas, including desks and files, in an uncluttered clean, neat,
and tidy condition in accordance with departmental housekeeping policies
and procedures.
In order to maintain a safe, professional and attractive environment
for our customers and other employees, all productive employees working
in the mechanical, body and paint areas are to sweep their work areas
and stalls daily. Each Friday afternoon after the close of business,
productive employees will scrub the shop floor in their respective
work area. Help us keep the shop clean and safe.
Employees will not remove any new or used parts, materials, discarded
equipment or parts, or any discarded replacement items without the
express consent of the department manager.
6. Telephone Courtesy.
Telephone courtesy is of prime importance in establishing the dealership's
professional image with customers and other callers. Standards of telephone
courtesy at CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE are as follows:
• ANSWER ALL CALLS WITHIN 3 RINGS. Be ready to talk as soon as
you pick up the receiver.
• ANSWER CALLS ON ANOTHER EMPLOYEE'S DESK OR AREA WHEN UNOCCUPIED.
• Answer all calls with "Thank you for holding" or "Good
morning/afternoon/evening," your department name, and your full
name. Examples: "Good Evening, Sales, Jim Jones"; "Good
Afternoon, Cashier, Mary Johnson"; "Thank you for calling
CRISWELL Service, this is Ben Smith."
• ALWAYS GO BACK TO ACKNOWLEDGE A WAITING PARTY EVERY 30-45 SECONDS;
OFFER YOUR HELP OR TAKE A MESSAGE.
When putting someone on hold to answer another line, always give the
second caller an explanation that you are on another call and allow
the second caller time to acknowledge and agree to hold before doing
so.
Return all phone messages promptly (within 1 hour if possible) upon
return to your work area.
PUT A SMILE IN YOUR VOICE, use the caller's name frequently, be helpful
and pleasant.
To be of maximum help to our customers, speak distinctly and directly
into the receiver. Always keep writing material near the telephone
and take careful notes, in particular, the caller's name, telephone
number and the nature of his call.
7. Employee Property & Technician Tools
Technicians and other trades people will secure their personal tools
and keep their tool boxes locked when not in use. The Company will
provide Technician personal tool insurance if a detailed list of all
tools maintained at the dealership is furnished annually by interested
Technicians.
The Company will not be responsible for any employee personal tools,
tool boxes, personal computers, portable and cellular phones, etc.
damaged, lost or stolen from the premises.
8. Personnel Records
Accurate personnel records are required for the benefit of both the
employee and the Company. It is the employee's responsibility to keep
the Company informed of your current address, marital status, telephone
number, insurance beneficiaries, change in name, number of dependents
and individuals to notify in case of an emergency. The Company will
rely on the employee's address for communications by mail, the telephone
number in case of an emergency, and marital status changes for income
tax and Company benefits.
9.Telephone Calls
Employees will avoid placing or receiving personal phone calls during
working hours. It is recognized that family needs sometimes require
such calls. Employees may therefore use Company phones for short local
calls on a limited basis. Excessive personal telephone use will not
be permitted and constitutes a basis for disciplinary action. All employee
telephone call expense abuse will be charged to the employee.
COMPANY TELEPHONES WILL NOT BE USED FOR LONG DISTANCE CALLS WITHOUT
PERMISSION OF YOUR DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR. Should a customer wish to
use the phone for local calls, please direct him or her to the most
convenient location and assist them in obtaining an outside line. This
procedure would include the phones on the Service Advisor's desk. Only
when phones are not readily available should a customer be directed
to the most convenient dealership pay phone.
10. Misrepresentation
CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE is proud of its reputation for integrity and for
the good business ethics of its employees. Any employee who deliberately
performs unauthorized work on a vehicle, claims that work has been
done or parts replaced when such is not the case, or performs any other
act of fraud or deceit which can jeopardize the dealership's public
image or legal position, may be subject to discharge. Any employee
who deliberately makes any untruthful or misleading statement, omission,
or falsification so as to jeopardize the reputation or legal position
of the Company, may be subject to dismissal. Company stationery is
to be used for authorized business only. It may not be used for personal
letters or other non-company use because it may give the wrong impression
to someone who sees it used this way.
11. Loitering
Loitering in offices or work areas of other employees, or interfering
with the work of other employees hinders customer service and constitutes
unacceptable behavior.
12. Children and Visitors
Employees will not bring their children into the dealership during
working hours. Children are easily injured and may readily become a
nuisance to other employees, customers, or property. If a child is
brought to the dealership contrary to this policy, the employee must
hold the Company harmless in the event of a child's injury or accident
while on the premises. Likewise, friends and family members visiting
employees during working hours is discouraged. Their access to employee
working areas is not permitted unless approved by management.
13. Smoking in the Workplace
The Company recognizes the need of many of its employees to work in
an environment free of tobacco smoke. The Company also respects the
rights of employees who choose to smoke to make personal decisions
without interference, as long as these decisions do not interfere with
the rights of other workers.
No smoking will be allowed at public entrances or in any area where
the practice would create a recognized hazard under the Occupational
Safety and Health Act (OSHA) or where, in the department manager's
judgment, smoking would be unsafe. For instance, OSHA has banned smoking
in service repair areas where workers are exposed to asbestos due to
the increased risk of lung cancer/disease. No smoking is allowed where
such vehicle asbestos parts as brake and clutch linings are being handled,
installed or repaired. No smoking signs will be posted accordingly,
and especially near flammable or hazardous materials.
In addition to the posted "no smoking" areas at this dealership,
smoking will not be allowed in any area inside the dealership in accordance
with city and county regulations.
The use of chewable tobacco products are also prohibited as they can
create a safety hazard. Smoking and/or chewable tobacco products in
the presence of a customer or fellow employee may be offensive. The
rights of others must be considered at all times.
14. Horseplay/Practical Jokes/Vandalism
Employees will refrain from engaging in conduct which could lead to
the injury of others or the destruction of property. Such conduct is
grounds for disciplinary action or dismissal of the employee.
15. Drinking and Drugs
Congress has recognized the problem of drug abuse by enacting the Drug-Free
Workplace Act of 1988. In compliance with the Act, drugs or alcoholic
beverages are not permitted on Company premises. For your own safety,
you are prohibited from working under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Impaired conduct endangers yourself, your co-workers,. and our customers,
and it damages the reputation of the dealership. Employees using prescription
drugs as prescribed by a physician, must immediately report the usage
to your supervisor. Management may require an employee to submit to
a random drug or alcohol test, where there is probable suspicion of
drug or alcohol use, or in the event of an accident while on Company
premises.
To control the possession, distribution and use of illegal drugs and
alcohol, management may, with or without announcement or probable cause,
conduct a comprehensive search and/or inspection of the premises. All
lockers, desks and other containers on the premises are for employee
use, but are Company property and remain Company property even though
they are being used by an employee. The Company maintains the absolute
right to enter lockers, desks and other containers of any employee
at any time, locked or unlocked, and without prior notice to the employee.
The employee, by accepting employment with the Company, consents to
such searches by the Company and/or appropriate law enforcement officials.
The employee further waives any claim against the Company for any reason
as a result of these searches. Items found in such a search may be
taken into custody and turned over to the appropriate law enforcement
authorities.
Employees who report to work under the influence of alcohol or drugs
will not be permitted to work. Consuming, selling, transferring, distributing
illegal drugs on or off the job or any violation of the above Company
policy can result in immediate dismissal.
16. Theft
Unauthorized possession or use of any Company, customer or employee
property constitutes grounds for immediate dismissal and the filing
of criminal charges.
17. Fighting
Fighting constitutes grounds for immediate dismissal.
18. Moonlighting and Work Privileges
Work will be assigned to technicians by the service department manager,
service advisor or dispatcher. TECHNICIANS WILL NOT PERFORM WORK ON
VEHICLES THEY DO NOT PERSONALLY OWN, UNLESS SUCH WORK IS DONE THROUGH
THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT NORMAL PRICES.
An employee will not engage in any commercial activities which are
in direct competition with this dealership unless he first terminates
his employment with the dealership. This restriction includes the provision
of parts and service-related activities to or on behalf of customers
of the Company. Any of the above activities can lead to disciplinary
action or dismissal.
19. Wall Displays
No decorations, pictures or wall hangings will be hung on walls or
displayed elsewhere on the premises without prior approval of management.
We must avoid any inappropriate material which may not project a favorable
image or be offensive to others.
20. Building Security
The building is equipped with an electronic security system. Those
employees who are entrusted with building keys and alarm codes must
follow the operating instructions for the alarm system, and are responsible
for the security of your respective department.
Security codes, keys, safe combinations, etc. are given to certain
employees and are of a confidential nature and should not, without
the express written consent of an officer of the Company, be given
to any other employee or an individual outside the Company. Any violation
or deviation from this policy may result in termination of employment.
VII. COMPANY OPERATING PROCEDURES
1. Relations With Customers
We have a keen appreciation of our responsibility to our customers.
The Company guarantees its work and employees, of course, share this
responsibility. Each of us must do his part. We must:
• Remember that the customer furnishes the money for
our pay checks.
• Show a sincere interest in the customer. The promptness
with which customers are waited upon, the courtesy and concern displayed,
the care, skill and pride in your work, neatness, and the appearance
of premises, all influence the customer to return to CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE.
Here are some tips to remember:
• Greet customers promptly and politely; do not keep customers
waiting.
• Smile and say WELCOME TO CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE.
• Call customers by their name (i.e., Mr. or Mrs. Jones, Dr.
Brown).
• Return telephone calls promptly. APPRISE SERVICE CUSTOMERS
OF THE STATUS OF THEIR VEHICLES, SO THEY DO NOT HAVE TO CALL THE DEALERSHIP.
• Be frank and honest.
• Be friendly but not familiar. SHOW SINCERE CONCERN.
• Don't argue or lose your temper with either the customer or
your fellow employees.
• Show your appreciation. Thank customers for their business
and for coming to CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE.
• Keep Promises
• Follow-up with customers who have purchased new or used vehicles
to confirm their satisfaction.
• LOOK AND ACT THE PART OF THE PROFESSIONAL PERSON
YOU ARE.
• Be tactful.
• Be proactive -take ownership -find someone who can help.
The success, continuation of our business, and the security of our
jobs, depend upon the number of satisfied customers we create and keep.
None of us should ever forget that the person we all work for is the
CUSTOMER.
2. Company and Employee Property
The primary purpose of all Company property and equipment is to support
us in doing our jobs, to generate business for the Company, and thereby
to generate income for all employees. Company property and equipment,
therefore, must not be neglected or abused but maintained and cared
for. Any misappropriation, neglect or deliberate damage of Company
property is grounds for disciplinary action or dismissal.
An employee destroying, breaking, defacing or otherwise disturbing
the property of another employee will be required to replace or repair
the property at his expense. If the employee refuses to replace or
repair the item to its original quality, the employee will be suspended
or dismissed.
3. New and Used Vehicle Inventory
Unauthorized use of customer or Company vehicles is a breach of trust
and is the basis for dismissal. The driving of new or used vehicles
from dealership stock during or after business hours is prohibited
unless approved by a sales manager.
4. FTC Buyer's Guide
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Buyer's Guide gummed label must
be affixed to all new demonstrators and used vehicles and must not
be removed under any circumstances. Violations of this policy will
subject the employee to disciplinary action, dismissal and/or the $10,000
federal fine.
5. Demonstration Drives
Every customer must be encouraged to take a demonstration drive.
A salesperson must obtain a copy of each customer's driver's license
and note the year, make, model and license plate number of the customer's
vehicle prior to a demonstration drive.
Sales personnel will always accompany customers on a demonstration
drive. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES will a salesperson permit a customer
to drive a new or used vehicle unaccompanied by a salesperson unless
pre-approved by a sales manager.
6. Sales Deliveries
A salesperson will ensure that he has checked each new and used vehicle
at least one (1) hour prior to delivery. Checks will include that the
vehicle runs properly; that it is washed and serviced; that lights,
wipers, and other accessories are working; that it has a jack, tools,
spare wheel and tire; and that the dealership pre-delivery inspection
has been completed. The salesperson must make certain that the key
numbers are properly recorded and that the warranty book information
has been completed. All documents must be prepared in advance. Last
minute checking of a delivery will NOT be tolerated.
Upon the customer's arrival, the salesperson will explain the vehicle
operating procedures, the owner's manual, and warranty coverage. The
salesperson will introduce the customer to a service representative
and explain the service appointment/night drop procedures. Each new
vehicle delivery will be performed in accordance with procedures prescribed
by the manufacturer and this Company.
Commissions will not be paid to salespersons on incomplete deals; missing
deposit or payment, missing titles, missing registration card or insurance
information, unauthorized or unpaid trade-in vehicle repairs, unless
specifically authorized by management.
If a trade-in is involved, the salesperson will inspect the vehicle
with a sales manager before the customer leaves. Make sure that the
equipment is intact; that it has tools, jack, a spare tire; and that
is in the same condition as it was when appraised, in particular, it
has no odometer alteration.
When a customer approaches an employee of the Company for the purpose
of selling his vehicle, he will be directed to the Used Vehicle Manager.
Under no circumstances will an employee buy or attempt to buy such
a vehicle, or engage in discussions of its value.
7. Finance & Insurance and Aftermarket Sales
CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE strives to fill the total transportation needs
of our customers in order to retain their continued loyalty to this
dealership and our products. To accomplish this, all sales customers
will be introduced to the Finance & Insurance/Aftermarket Sales
staff to acquaint them with these valuable consumer services/products.
Likewise, service customers interested in purchasing extended warranties
and other vehicle protection products are to be turned over to F&I/Aftermarket
personnel.
License tags and registrations will be locked up in the finance office.
8. Large Cash Transactions
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations require that any transaction
involving more than $10,000 in cash or cash equivalents must be reported
to the IRS on Form 8300. "Cash" under the IRS reporting rules
includes any kind of currency (U.S. or foreign), cashier's checks from
banks, bank drafts, travelers checks, and money orders which have a
face value of $10,000 or less. Combinations of these kinds of instruments
are considered "cash" for reporting purposes when they total
$10,000 or more. Goods and services should be denied to people with
cash who are known (actual knowledge) to be engaged in criminal activity.
Selling goods and services to one who is known to be a drug dealer
or engaged in some other illegal activity is contrary to Company policy.
The following information must be obtained from the purchaser: name,
address, social security number, and if an alien, passport number,
country of origin and alien registration number. This information,
along with a description of the sale, must be immediately filed with
the IRS on Form 8300 within 15 days of the cash transaction. The federal
Money Laundering Control Act is a criminal law with criminal penalties
directed at people who would deliberately conspire with those engaged
in enterprises to "launder" money generated from criminal
activity. Don't be a criminal. "Structuring" a transaction
to evade the cash reporting requirements carry penalties ranging from
$25,000 to $100,000, and failure to comply with this government regulation
is a felony with up to five (5) years in jail.
Effective January 1, 2002 the USA PATRIOT Act was instituted by the
Department of the Treasury and enforced by their special bureau, Financial
Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The Act requires financial institutions
(including automobile dealers) to respond to information requests from
FinCEN regarding anti-money laundering or terrorist activity. Dealers
must develop internal policies, procedures and controls, designate
a compliance officer, provide on-going employee training and audit
functions. Reports will be submitted on a new combined form "IRS
Form 8300/FinCEN Form 8300".
Failure to comply with federal regulations will subject an employee
to disciplinary action or termination of employment.
9. Detail Cleaned Vehicles
Once a used vehicle or out-of-service demonstrator has been detailed
(serviced, reconditioned, and polished) the detailed vehicle will not
be driven except in the normal sales cycle. An employee who disregards
this policy will be charged for the cost of re-cleaning as may be necessary.
10. Dealer License Plates
Dealer license plates, once issued to an employee, are the sole responsibility
of the person to whom they are issued. In accordance with Company policy
the employee will:
Produce them for spot checks. Pay any parking tickets booked to the
assigned tag number. In the event of loss, report the plate number,
time, date of loss, and circumstances in writing to the General Sales
Manager or Service and Parts Director and to the police within 24 hours.
Reimburse the Dealership for the loss of dealer plates at a cost of
$250.00 and lost Dealer tag keys at a cost of $250.00. Not lend dealer
plates to anyone. Not use dealer plates for any reason other than Company
business. Not use dealer plates for any reason on any privately owned
vehicle. The Service Department will use dealer tags for State Inspection
and for road testing new and used vehicles in preparation for delivery.
11. Used Vehicle Warranty
Customer claims, applicable to the used vehicle limited warranty, will
be brought to the attention of the Used Vehicle Manager, who has sole
authority to determine if, when, and where repair work, if any, will
be done. No repair work will be paid for by the dealership unless authorized
by the Used Vehicle Manager. The Used Vehicle Manager is responsible
for the interpretation of used vehicle limited warranty questions,
and resolving disputes. The Business Manager and Service Manager may
also be able to answer any questions concerning the used vehicle limited
warranty.
12. Vehicle Keys
Once a vehicle is in the showroom the keys will be removed and safely
secured. New and used stock units on the lot will be locked, with keys
stored in a secured area. The spare keys and all relevant books and
papers on new vehicles will be secured in a locked file. Keys of all
vehicles left in the service or body departments will be removed from
the vehicle and retained in the locked service office.
13. Company Vehicles
Vehicles may be provided to sales and management personnel for demonstration
purposes. These vehicles must be washed regularly, kept clean inside
and out, and the gas tank kept at least half full. They must be properly
maintained, serviced, and cared for so as not to diminish their value.
Accessories will not be added or alterations made, without the permission
of sales management.
An employee, who incurs an accident with a company or customer vehicle,
will pay the deductible portion of any damage (up to maximum of $1000.00
per accident). The employee will pay for all parking and traffic violations
incurred while the vehicle is entrusted to him. Accidents, regardless
of how minor, must be immediately reported to the employee's supervisor
to assure insurance coverage and to enable the Company to accurately
disclose the damage to our customers. Damage disclosure to the ultimate
consumer will be the joint responsibility of the sales representative
and sales management. Failure to do so constitutes a breach of trust
and may result in dismissal.
Demonstrators will be used only by personnel to whom they are assigned.
They are not to be driven by members of an employee's family or friends.
In those cases involving customer use of a demonstrator or loan vehicle,
with management approval, an Assumption of Liability Form will be executed
by management.
The employee to whom a demonstrator is assigned is responsible for
paying all income taxes resulting from his use of the vehicle. In addition,
evaluation reports on these demonstration vehicles may be periodically
required. All demonstrator vehicles must be available for demonstration
purposes during regular business hours and are subject to sale at any
time.
Those assigned a company vehicle will operate the vehicle in accordance
with the terms set forth in the company written "Demonstrator
Agreement".
After one (1) accident or incident of driver neglect, the employee
assigned a company vehicle may lose the privilege of the company vehicle.
Employees' driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles will
be reviewed annually.
Employees operating company vehicles out of state must have prior management
approval.
14. Parts Vehicles
The parts vehicles will be secured outside the building at night and
on weekends. In the event that the parts vehicles are used to carry
any hazardous or toxic materials, there shall be no smoking while in
the parts vehicles. The designated driver and the Parts Manager are
responsible for servicing, maintaining and washing the parts vehicles.
Keys are to be returned to the Parts Manager when not in business use.
15. Rental Vehicles and/or Service Loaners
Rental cars are provided locally by Enterprise Rental Car and Not CRISWELL
AUTOMOTIVE to: Provide a convenience for our service customers Generate
additional service business Company vehicles are not to be provided
as a Sales or Service Loaner to customers.
16. Personal Belongings
Customers and employees will be cautioned against leaving personal
belongings in their vehicles when on Company premises. In the event
of loss, no dealership insurance coverage is available and the dealership
cannot assume responsibility for such losses.
17. Repair Work on Older Vehicles
Before major work (over $1000.00) is undertaken on a six (6) year or
older vehicle, the customer will pay, in advance, fifty percent (50%)
of the estimated repair bill. Exceptions will be authorized by service
management.
18. Repair Work Authorization
The customer's signature is required on all repair orders (exception:
vehicles towed in/night dropped) prior to commencing any work on the
vehicle. Where there is no customer signature, the service advisor
will secure a telephone approval from the customer. This telephone "OK" is
acceptable for work to be performed, however the service department
will do the following:
1. Record on the shop copy of the repair order the
date, time, repair amount, nature of the repair, technician and Service
Advisor name or number, return of used parts and the name of person
authorizing the repair.
2. The cashier will obtain a customer signature on
the repair order/invoice at the time of vehicle recovery. All repair
orders will be signed by the customer. If an employee fails to obtain
the required written or telephone authorization, the employee's commission
is subject to cancellation or charge back.
19. Releasing Service Customer Vehicles
Employees delivering service customer vehicles to the customer will
be held responsible for collection of the repair order charges.
Employees releasing service vehicles to customers prior to paying repair
order charges will also be held responsible for any unpaid bill. These
uncollected customer charges will be deducted from the employee's compensation.
20. Special Order Parts
When a part is not available, the part will be recorded on the repair
order, and the customer will pay in advance if non-warranty. The part
will be ordered immediately. When it is received, the customer will
be notified by mail and telephone. The customer will only be responsible
for labor charges to install the special order part. Fast freight charges
must be authorized by management or paid by the customer.
21. Retention of Warranty or Transportation Claim Material
Manufacturer procedures dictate that we retain defective warranty and
damaged transportation material in support of factory claims. Failure
to do so will cause the claim to be disallowed with all the corresponding
labor and parts charged back to the company. Service technicians therefore
have the responsibility to turn in to the parts department all defective
parts and transportation damaged material when the repair is completed.
If these items are not requested to be shipped back to the manufacturer,
they will be retained then scrapped in accordance with factory procedures
and not be resold or issued back to employees. Failure of service technicians
to turn in parts or material in support of factory claims will subject
the technician to chargeback of labor and parts costs.
22. Deposits and Payments
All customer deposits or payments will be received and receipted by
the Accounting Office or department manager. A Company computer-generated
receipt will be given to the customer. If a receipt is given on a vehicle
purchase or repairs, the receipt number will be noted on the buyer's
order or repair order.
All checks and cash will be receipted and deposited the same or next
working day. There shall be NO Hold Checks without prior written approval
by management.
23. Petty Cash
Petty cash will be used only in an emergency. A petty cash slip will
be signed by the recipient, approved and counter signed by management.
Cash will not be removed from the Company by any employee without the
prior consent of management.
24. Fixed Assets
Department managers will obtain approval from the Dealer or General
Manager for any expenditures or purchase order commitments exceeding
$500.00.
25. Purchases and Purchase Orders
All purchase order receipt books are subject to audit by the Office
Manager. The Office Manager and Parts Manager are responsible for the
proper execution of purchase orders to be issued to approved outside
vendors. All purchase orders must reflect detailed, specific information
as well as purchase quantity, amount, stock number, account to be charged,
customer and salesperson name, etc.
26. Company Files and Records
All company files and records are the property of the Company and are
confidential. These confidential records include, but are not limited
to, information concerning all sales and service transactions with
customers, personnel and payroll records of present and former employees,
and financial records of the Company. Also included are: computer security
codes, vendor and supplier purchase records, pending or potential legal
actions, and all other information pertaining to the business affairs
or operating practices and procedures of the Company. Company files
and records will neither be copied nor disclosed to any party except
as authorized by Company management. Disclosure of company records
may be cause for disciplinary action.
27. Confidential Information
All inside information that is not common knowledge is considered privileged
and is not to be disclosed under any circumstances. This includes vendor
or customer lists, company records, memoranda and any other written
material, as well as Company plans and strategies for the future. Improper
disclosure of confidential information will result in the immediate
termination of the employee and expose current and former employees
to criminal and civil prosecution, where applicable.
28. Safeguarding Customer Information
In 1999 Congress passed Section 501(a) of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act
and the Federal Trade Commission Privacy Rule obligating dealers to
disclose to finance, lease and insurance customers how they use and
share consumer information. Now the Federal Trade Commission has published
a new rule "Standards for Safeguarding Customer Information".
The Safeguards Rule requires dealers to develop, implement and maintain
a comprehensive written information security program. It also requires
dealers to ensure their affiliates maintain appropriate safeguards
and dealers must select and retain service providers that are capable
of maintaining appropriate safeguards for the customer information
dealers share with them. The final compliance date for the Privacy
Rule was July 1, 2001 and the final compliance date for the Safeguards
Rule was May 23, 2003.
You can distinguish the Privacy Rule from the Safeguards Rule as
follows:
The Privacy Rule deals with how dealers share information about consumers
who obtain, apply for, credit or lease products.
The Safeguards Rule deals with how dealers protect information about
finance and lease customers, regardless of whether dealers sell the
obligation to a third party finance company or lessor.
• The Privacy and Safeguards Rule require that a dealer Information
Security Program meet three objectives:
• Insure the security and confidentiality of Customer Information.
• Protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security
and/or integrity of Customer Information.
• Protect against unauthorized access to or use of Customer Information
that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer.
Penalties for non compliance for both the Privacy and Safeguards Rule
may include monetary fines, injunctive relief and long-term consent
decrees. These laws typically permit actual and punitive damages, as
well as attorneys' fees and costs. In addition, a state Attorney General
could bring action against dealers under the same type state laws.
In keeping with the objectives of the Safeguards Rule, CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE
will implement, maintain and enforce the following employee management
and training safeguards:
1. All employees and independent contractors are responsible for complying
with our dealership's Program.
2. This dealership will check references of each potential employee
prior to the commencement of an applicant's employment.
3. This dealership may obtain a consumer report and criminal background
check of each applicant prior to the commencement of an applicant's
employment.
4. All offers of employment shall be subject to satisfactory references
and consumer/criminal report investigations.
5. All new employees and independent contractors who perform services
for our dealership that have access to customer information will participate
in our dealership's information security training. Each person shall
sign and acknowledge his or her agreement to abide by our Program.
Training will recur at least once each year, or sooner, as determined
by dealership management and as required by changes to the Program.
6. Such training program shall include, at a minimum, basic steps to
maintain the security, confidentiality and integrity of customer information,
such as:
• Identifying for employees and independent contractors
the types of customer information subject to protection under the Information
Security Program.
• Locking rooms and file cabinets where paper records are kept.
• Using password-activated computer software, systems,
applications or terminals or an automatic log-off function that terminates
access after a short period of inactivity.
• Using strong passwords (at least 8 characters long
and alpha-numeric).
• Changing passwords periodically and maintaining
the security of passwords.
• Sending electronic information over secure channels
only.
• Appropriately disposing of paper and electronic
records. Other training as determined appropriate by management from
time to time.
7. Our dealership will take appropriate steps to encourage awareness
of and compliance with the Program.
8. All employees and independent contractors will be permitted to access
customer information on a "need-to-know" basis as determined
by dealership management.
9. Personnel shall not be permitted to access, use or reproduce customer
information, whether electronic or non-electronic, for their own use
or for any use not authorized by this dealership.
All persons who fail to comply with this dealership's Program shall
be subject to disciplinary measures up to and including termination
of employment for employees or contract termination for independent
contractors that perform services in our dealership. This remedy shall
have expressly provided for in our dealership's agreements with such
independent contractors.
Specific details for the compliance of securing and protecting customer
information will be provided to employees by our Program Coordinator
who will design, implement and maintain all safeguards and will report
directly to the CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE Dealer Principal. Your full cooperation
for compliance is expected.
29. Employee Charges
CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE is not in a position to handle cash advances or
loans to employees. Although we do not have a charge account system
on a formal basis, employees may charge their purchases of small items
(vehicle purchases and major repair bills excluded). These charges
will be payroll deducted. Any abuse of this privilege results in the
privileges being revoked. Charges of more than $100.00 in any one week
must be approved by the Department Manager.
30. Wage Garnishment
The garnishment of an employee's wages by a creditor is a serious matter.
Therefore employees should make satisfactory arrangements with creditors
so that your wages will not be attached. The Company must honor wage
garnishments, as they represent a court order to withhold a portion
of your pay.
31. Gratuities and Gifts
Employees are not to accept gratuities or gifts from customers, suppliers,
or other parties who conduct business with the Company if the gratuity
or gift may be reasonably assumed to have sufficient value to influence
a business decision. Where there is doubt on the appropriateness of
such an offering, the employee will either decline it or discuss the
matter with the Dealer or General Manager.
32. Legal Notices and Inquiries
The Dealer, General Manager and Comptroller are the only employees
authorized to accept service of process or any other legal notices
on behalf of the Company. This includes lawsuit complaints, subpoenas,
petitions and citations, etc.
Whenever public officials, attorneys, news media employees or public
interest groups visit, call or write the dealership, employees must
immediately advise the Dealer, General Manager or Comptroller. Employees
are not authorized to comment on behalf of the Company.
33. Authority to Enter Into Contracts
No employee has the authority to enter into contracts on behalf of
the Company other than an officer duly appointed by the owner. Employees
should therefore incur no unauthorized expense on the part of the Company.
34. Paging System Usage
The Company paging system is for locating guests, customers and employees
when other reasonable efforts have failed. The paging system is not
to be used for giving instructions to guests, customers or employees.
The use of the paging system for horseplay, vulgar language is strictly
forbidden. If the person being paged is unavailable, please answer
the page and take a message. Always be courteous and professional when
using the paging system.
35. Computer Resources, Internet and Electronic Communications
CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE policy on Computer Resources, Internet and Electronic
Communications is designed to help you understand our expectations
and to help you use the Company's resources wisely. For the purposes
of this policy, references to the Internet should be understood to
apply to the use of both Internet and Internet E-mail. References to
electronic communications include messages that are transmitted and
stored via computer, E-mail, facsimile, voice mail or other similar
devices provides by the Company.
Your conduct while using these Company resources continues to be governed
by the Company's other existing policies, especially but not exclusively,
those that deal with intellectual property protection, privacy, misuse
of Company resources, sexual harassment, equal employment opportunity,
data security and confidentiality.
Please understand that although our connection to the Internet and
the availability of E-mail offers many benefits, both Company and individual
employees can be at risk if the Company's resources are used inappropriately
or in a way that breaches security or confidentiality. The following
guidelines have been established for using these resources. Any improper
use of the Internet or other electronic communication resources is
not acceptable and will be subject to disciplinary action.
Policy Guidelines:
1. All employees should understand that they have
no right or expectation of privacy in their use of the Internet or
the Company's other electronic communications resources, including
E-mail and voice mail. Although the Company does not expect to engage
in frequent monitoring of electronic communications by employees, the
Company reserves the right to monitor and review any employee's access
and use of the Internet for the Company's other electronic communications
resources at any time. All electronic messages and other files created
on or transmitted through CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE computer network are
the property of the Company.
2. Employees are individually responsible for the
content of all text, audio or images that they distribute using the
Internet or the Company's other electronic communications resources
including facsimile, E-mail and voice mail.
3. Sending, knowingly receiving, viewing, downloading
or displaying material that might reasonably be determined unlawful
or inappropriate, including obscene or pornographic material, is not
permitted. The Internet and the Company's other electronic communications
resources may not be used to make or disseminate hate mail, threats,
personal attacks, defamatory statements or discriminatory remarks;
to engage in harassment; to violate any person's rights of privacy
or publicity; or to engage in any similar behaviors. Employees should
take particular caution to carefully screen any personal E-mail received
from other sources before deciding to forward such messages within
or outside the Company. Although the Company does not become a staple
of the Internet communications, each employee assumes personal responsibility
for the content of any message he or she chooses to send, regardless
of who originally created the content. Jokes and other messages that
contain content that might reasonably be viewed by another person as
offensive or discriminatory may not be circulated using the Company's
resources. Employees should promptly disclose to an appropriate supervisor
any message they receive that they believe contains inappropriate content.
4. Sexually explicit material may not be displayed, archived, stored,
distributed, edited or recorded using the Company's resources.
5. Any improper use of the Internet or the Company's
other computer resources to threaten or harass others, intercept E-mail,
infiltrate a computer or computing system (e.g. hacking), interfere,
clog or damage the performance, files, data or software components
of a computer or computer system (e.g. by spamming or introducing a
computer virus) or to attempt any of the foregoing, is prohibited.
Employees may not use the Internet to disrupt any discussion group,
mailing list or news group with frivolous, vulgar or repetitious posting;
by posting a binary or excessively large unrelated text file; or by
posting articles that are off-topic according to the charter or the
public statement of the forum.
6. The Internet and the Company's other electronic
communications resources may not be used to send unsolicited bulk E-mail,
or otherwise unsolicited messages where the recipient objects to the
content of the message or to the receipt of the message in general.
No E-mail or other communications may be sent that hides the identity
of the sender or that represents the sender as anyone other then the
actual sender.
7. No employee may use the Company's computer resources
knowingly to download, distribute, use software or other information
in violation of any intellectual property or other proprietary right.
Also, the introduction of additional software without consideration
of the impact on an employee's workstation or the network as a whole,
could compromise the integrity of the Company's system or waste system
resources. Therefore employees may download only software with direct
business use and must arrange to have such software properly licensed,
registered, scanned for viruses and authorized by the employee's department
head prior to it being downloaded. Downloaded software must be used
only in accordance with the terms of its license. Employees may not
send or otherwise provide to any other person any software licensed
to the Company or data owned or licensed by the Company without explicit
authorization from the Company's Information System Director.
8. Employees may not use the Internet to download
entertainment software, games or to play games against opponents over
the Internet.
9. Employees disclosing confidential information via
a news group, discussion list or chat forum, even if the disclosure
is inadvertent, will be subject to all penalties under the Company's
other policies and procedures.
10. Employees may use the Internet for non-business
research or browsing during meal time or other breaks or outside of
work hours, provided that all other usage policies are adhered to and
that their use does not interfere with the conduct of business or distract
from the employee's work duties. Although the Company acknowledges
that personal E-mail will be received during the work day, personal
use of the Internet to respond to such communications should be limited
to appropriate times.
11. The Company has installed an Internet firewall
to assure the safety and security of the Company's network. An employee
shall not attempt to disable, defeat or circumvent any Company security
facility.
12. Employees also may not use any encryption device
or other security protection device on Company resources without the
express written authorization from the Company's Information System
Director. Employee passwords shall be used as instructed and new passwords
must be disclosed to the Information System Director as directed.
13. Employees should understand that violations of
certain of these policies may not only subject them to disciplinary
action within the Company, but may expose them to civil and/or criminal
action. The Company will cooperate with the inquiries of any legitimate
law enforcement authority relating to employee use of the Internet
or the Company's other computer resources.
14. The Company reserves the right to use appropriate
software or monitor the Internet access it provides to employees.
36. Recording Policy
It is a violation of our policy to record conversations with a tape
recorder or other recording devise unless all parties to the conversation
give their consent or is done for Company telephone training and development
purposes only.
The purpose of this policy is to eliminate a potentially chilling effect
on the expression of views that may exist if one person is concerned
that his/her conversation with another is being secretly recorded.
This concern may inhibit spontaneous and honest dialogue especially
when sensitive or confidential matters are being discussed. In addition,
conversations may contain discussion or disclosure of proprietary business
information and may involve communication of trade secrets or other
confidential business information.
Violation of this policy will result in discipline and could lead to
discharge.
37. New and Used Parts
All parts removed from either customer vehicles or Company vehicles
are the property of the Company. Employees will not remove from the
premises any new or used parts, materials, discarded equipment or parts,
scrap, waste or any discarded replacement items without the express
consent of the department manager. Such items as used containers, oil
drums, batteries, radiators, bumpers, brake shoes and other salvageable
items are Company property. Pilfering of new or used parts is a serious
offense and will not be tolerated.
38. Unauthorized Discounting
Employees giving discounts to friends is one of the most common abuses
any company can face, we understand that it can be tempting to give
friends a "good deal". Yet for every free or reduced price
of an item a customer receives, there is yet another dent in the company's
profitability.
Remember, the smaller the company profitability becomes:
• the less merchandise the company can afford to buy
• the higher the prices we have to charge
• the less likely we can afford to increase your wages
• the fewer employees we can afford to retain the lower
• the chances we can hire much needed help
Under no circumstances should any company products be removed from
the premises unless accompanied by a receipt from CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE.
Full-time employees are eligible for discounts on company products
as determined from time to time by senior management. It is an abuse
of the discount privilege to buy company products from CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE
on behalf of other people. CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE considers such behavior
a form of theft and violators will be treated accordingly.
If you are being pressured to issue discounts to friends or others,
explain that you could lose your job for doing so.
If witnessing a fellow employee about to issue an unauthorized discount,
remind him of the company policy and that discounts are for employees
only. Alert your department manager of any known discounts or items
given away by other employees in the past. We must work together to
remove the threats posed by unauthorized discounts.
39. Emergency Closings
Keeping our facility open and operating is one of our prime concerns.
However, under extreme inclement conditions, consideration is given
to closing the facility. Any official decision regarding closing will
come from the Dealer Principal or his designee.
In the event of severe weather (heavy snow, hurricane, tornado, etc.),
we will be in contact with local police, the National Weather Service
and other companies in an effort to make sound decisions regarding
the restriction of work activity for the safety of all employees. In
the event of a snowstorm, it is assumed that we are open and every
effort should be made to be at work on time.
You will not be indiscriminately sent home during bad weather or in
other emergency situations. We will announce any closings by informing
Supervisors of an exact closing time. Employees are to remain at work
until a dismissal announcement is made.
40. Use of Equipment
Equipment essential in accomplishing job duties is often expensive
and may be difficult to replace. When using Company property, employees
are expected to exercise care, perform required maintenance and follow
all operating instructions, safety standards and guidelines.
Please notify your supervisor if any equipment, machines or tools appear
to be damaged, defective or in need of repair. Prompt reporting of
damages, defects and the need for repairs could prevent deterioration
of equipment and possible injury to employees and others. Your supervisor
can answer any questions about an employee's responsibility for maintenance
and care of equipment used on the job.
The improper, careless, negligent, destructive or unsafe use or operation
of equipment can result in disciplinary action, up to and including
termination of employment.
Company equipment and Company vehicles are not to be removed from Company
property or loaned out to outside organizations without the express
permission of your Department Manager.
41. Business Ethics
You are expected to observe the highest standards of ethics and integrity
in your conduct. This means following a basic code of ethical business
behavior, which includes:
1. Complying with the letter and spirit of all applicable
laws.
2. Faithfully carrying out our policies, rules, regulations
and contracts.
3. Dealing honestly and fairly with customers, co-workers,
management and the general public.
4. Respecting our ownership of all equipment, supplies,
books, records and proprietary information.
5. Preserving the confidentiality of our trade secrets,
customer lists, plans and decisions, customer trade secrets, confidential
information about employees, your pay plan and any other information
that is not public knowledge.
6. Understanding that books and records are our property
and it is illegal to remove them. This includes manuals, lists and
other information that employees use in their daily work.
7. Declining any gifts, gratuities or payments offered
by any person or organization having current or possible future dealings
with CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE as a supplier, customer or contractor. This
restriction includes offers of free service, travel or merchandise.
Borrowing from such services is absolutely prohibited. Only token gifts,
including imprinted pens or calendars and unsolicited gifts worth less
than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) may be accepted. If an employee receives
a gift in excess of this amount, the gift should be returned with an
appropriate explanation. If a return is not practical, the employee
receiving the gift must send a thank you explaining our policy and
request that further gifts not be given. Meals are not included within
the definition of the term "gift". Money, in any amount,
is
not to be accepted, under any circumstances.
8. Disclosing any outside financial interests that
might influence an employee's decisions or actions on the job, including
interests in suppliers, customers or competitors. Employees should
not acquire such interests except for publicly traded securities in
which the employee owns less than a one percent (1%) interest.
9. Not accepting any outside employment with a supplier
or competitor or any other employment that could interfere with your
responsibilities to us. Employment with any person or business that
deals with us or competes with us must be approved in writing, including
the acceptance of directorships, honoraria for speeches or consulting
fees.
10. Not using information or authority derived from
your employment for personal gain.
A breach of this confidentiality may cause the Company to lose a customer's
business. Discussing confidential matters may cause us to lose our
competitive advantage. Therefore, any breach of confidentiality may
result in severe punishment up to and including immediate termination.
If you have questions about this code of business ethics or how it
applies in particular situations, you should discuss the exact circumstances
with the Dealer or General Manager. Each situation disclosed will be
considered on its merits.
42. Outside Employment
Employees may hold outside jobs as long as they meet the performance
standards of their job with the Company. All employees will be judged
by the same performance standards and will be subject to the Company's
scheduling demands, regardless of any existing outside work requirements.
If we determine an employee's outside work interferes with performance
or the ability to meet the requirements of the Company as they are
modified from time to time, the employee may be asked to terminate
the outside employment if he or she wishes to remain with CRISWELL
AUTOMOTIVE.
Outside employment that constitutes a conflict of interest is prohibited.
Employees may not receive any income or material gain from individuals
outside our Company for materials produced or services rendered while
performing their jobs.
43. Your Employment Record
When you filled out your employment application, you provided a great
deal of information about yourself.
You must keep your employment record up to date by notifying our Human
Resources Department of any change in your name, home address, telephone
number, person to call in an emergency, dependents, insurance beneficiaries
and your medical condition. We need this information to alert you in
case of an emergency and to update employment records and benefit policies.
All employee personnel records are the property of the Company and
will be used by the Company only, no copies will be given to the employee.
An employee may review their personnel file with the Human Resources
Department at any time, make notes but no copies will be allowed.
44. Evaluations
Our intention is to hire the most qualified people available and to
provide the maximum opportunity for advancement. Promotions are not
based on seniority alone, but on ability, performance, positive results,
leadership and willingness to accept responsibility. All staff members
are expected to demonstrate progressive expertise in job performance
and knowledge. One mark of a mature employee is an enthusiastic approach
to work; you should consider no assignment unimportant or unworthy
of your best efforts. Our continuing progress depends on the ongoing
development of each of us. You will be given assistance and guidance
on a regular basis. Towards the end of your Introductory Period of
employment and, as appropriate, you will have a performance review.
Performance reviews provide an opportunity for you and management to
discuss subjects such as training needs or the desire for increased
job responsibility, your technical progress, accomplishments, strengths
and weaknesses and goals for the coming year. Performance reviews are
considered in making compensation decisions, but the results of the
performance review will not necessarily result in a merit increase.
45. Work Performance Evaluation
It is expected that you will carry out your responsibilities fully
and to the best of your abilities and conduct yourself so as to best
serve our interests. When informing you that work performance does
not meet satisfactory standards, we may take any action appropriate
in the circumstances including:
1. Providing counsel to point out areas of weakness and recommend ways
to overcome areas of concern;
2. Warning you orally, then if the problems continue, we will prepare
a written statement for the personnel file;
3. Releasing you either permanently or temporarily based on the severity
of the case.
The aforementioned steps are not to be interpreted as progressive in
nature (i.e., step 2 can occur before step 1).
Notwithstanding any provision in this Company Policy and Employee Handbook
to the contrary, we reserve the right to discipline any employee by
any lawful means including
immediate discharge, demotion,
suspension or other action for any misconduct or for any failure to
comply with the rules, policies or goals set forth in this Employee
Handbook or for failure to act in the best interest of the Company.
Nothing in this Employee Handbook is intended to grant contract rights
to any employee nor to subject us to any liability for any claim or
failure to comply with any of the rules, policies or goals set forth
in this Employee Handbook.
46. Mail
All mail delivered to the Company will be opened by the Dealer or General
Manager. Employee personal mail should not be addressed to the employee
in care of the dealership.
All priority and overnight mail will be delivered immediately to the
General Manager, regardless of the recipient.
CONCLUSION
This Handbook has been prepared with the intent of anticipating many
questions which you, the individual employee, may have wanted to be
answered. If, after reading the Handbook, you have unanswered questions,
you are encouraged to discuss them with your department manager. The
manager will either answer the question or get the answer for you.
We have mentioned benefits, responsibilities, and operations. But the
most important subject is the customer --the very reason we have a
job, and the need for our very best effort to
"IMPRESS
AND DELIGHT THE CUSTOMER" everyday.
CRISWELL AUTOMOTIVE exists because each year a great many people have
invested their money, time, and faith in us all. Our customers determine
how fast our Company will grow, how many people we will employ, how
many vehicles we sell, how much service we will render, how many parts
we will market, and how much profit we will make.
In order to retain these customers, we want to ensure that our good
service never fails. We must always give our customers the best possible
value and quality for the money they spend with us. Working well together
will provide each of us with a bright, secure future, and provide all
of us in the dealership with the most important commodity --a good
reputation.
The Company has the right, from time to time, to make and enforce new
rules and to enforce, change, abolish or modify existing rules, Company
policies, procedures or benefits applicable to employees as it may
deem necessary or advisable.
Thank you for taking time to read and study this Handbook. Please protect
the security and proprietorship of this Handbook keeping it in a convenient
place for future reference and updating. Should you have any questions
or suggestions, please let us hear from you.
"ABOVE
ALL"
The greatest asset our Company will ever have is satisfied customers.
If we are to receive "high grades" on the customer's "report
card", each of us must appreciate the fact that satisfying the
customer is our number one priority. It sits at the very core of our
Company's ability to thrive and prosper.
A significant factor in delivering customer satisfaction evolves around
the quality of the service we offer. In our organization, service is
a "product". It is a product that each of us must deliver
day-in and day-out. Even if we do not deal directly with the customer
on a regular basis, our efforts do make a difference --it is a part
of everyone's job to deliver a quality service product --whether it
be face-to-face or behind the scenes.
The quality of the service we offer "cannot be separated from
the quality of the provider". What this means is that each of
us individually holds the key to our Company reaching the pinnacle
of customer satisfaction; if we possess positive, progressive attitudes
toward our customers, if we develop a sense of pride and commitment
to service excellence, and if we try our very best to provide better
service today than we did yesterday, we will have made great strides
in ensuring a future for our Company and for ourselves.
Our Company spends thousands of dollars every month to attract customers
through our doors. Each of us must play our part to keep them coming
back. We must be driven by a desire to make quality service our top
goal. We must never lose sight of the fact that the impression we leave
on our customers is an advertisement, good or bad. Every time we provide
a service to the customer we either improve the customer's perception
of our Company -or diminish it.
As we proceed each day to provide quality service for our customers,
it will serve each of us well to keep in mind these words:
Customer satisfaction is an all-of-the-time thing, not
a some-of-the-time thing. It is something we do with a customer, not
something we do for a customer. It is based on meeting the needs and
wants of customers as they see them, not as we see them. It is treating
each individual customer as if that individual were our only customer.
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