I was an ASM for Lowes. I had been a Sales Manager and Operations Manager then an ASM after previous layoff. Difference is I am 58. I had 16 years with the company. Was second in pay only to the Store Manager. They kept the ASM's with 6 months experience who was still learning. When questions were asked about anything in the Store they came to me for the answer. But I was told with the form letter : I DID NOT FIT THE MOLD!!!!
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Some of it is age discrimination. Three of the department managers that did not get the service job for all over 60 years old. They also have the most experience.
Only been with Lowes for 9 months, 3 months as ASM and was let go I am over 55, was told I would never fit the new ASM role, 10 years of Management ( ex General Manager, ex Sales Manager of the district for large big box store, Sales trainer/coach and so on ) 30 years of commission sales,
Really??????????????
It is absolutely clear what Lowes is doing - cost cutting at the expense of many loyal employees' livelihood and well-being. It is certain that at some time a corporate employee called these very people "stakeholders." (They do love their jargon.) I wonder how many of them feel like stakeholders now? Salary scales will generally be lower for the DMs than it was for the ASMs. It is laughable that they call this a "new staffing model." Remember "lay-offs," "downsizing," "right-sizing," and now "new staffing model?" What overpaid sniveling toady of the executive circle devised the term "new staffing model?" He/she will surely receive a wonderful bonus for that bit of creative drivel. There were ASMs who were let go who spent decades with Lowes . Smacks of age-discrimination, doesn't it?
Odd that there are so many older employees that were told that "they do not fit the mold." Was it not the responsibility of SMs and HR reps to quickly identify and coach those who did not fit the mold? THEY FAILED as did their superiors. The SMs were provided with talking points by corporate. The reason the termination meetings were so short is that the was fear that the SMs would go off script and say something that could be used in a future lawsuit.
I am not over 40 but I started young with Lowe's and was approaching my 20 year mark, got salary capped, and have a perfect record with no blemishes. We will never have an answer that will be the right one and this has been for me anyway like being released from prison and the outside world is scary and doesn't seem quite right. As other companies have accomplished moving forward and avoiding the "sea of sameness" Lowes is heading right for it. I wish all of you the very best and think this will turn out to be a gift in disguise in hindsight.
If you sign off on your severance package you loose the ability to sue or even participate in a class action lawsuit for age discrimination. I'm in the 50+ Year old category, capped out last two years with no raise, tried getting into SMTP but they were looking for new talent, 25+ years with the company. I hope several people do bring a lawsuit up but unfortunately I'm going have to sign my paperwork to have some money till I start a new career.
Some people just need to go. It is a restructuring. I work with great dm's but honestly,... they will not be able to restructure their work habits. It is about managing associates now, not selling in their department. Workers are needed, but true managers are needed more. Overpaid associates are complaining, because they cant manage people. That is what is happening.
Wow-your story is my husbands exactly! He is in his late 50's, worked over 20 years at Lowes, highest paid ASM. Any questions were directed to him, even by the SM. He ran the store. They let him go but kept 2 ASM s that have each been in the position for 6 months. He was also told doesn't fit the mold and the direction Lowes is headed. Absolutely insane!!
My husband was an ASM in Raleigh NC. After 20 yrs. he was laid off at 52 yrs old. Yes, I think age definitely had a play in this . Highest paid in the market, but cheaper, younger asm''s were retainrd. Dedication means nothing to these people.
From what I have heard and seen it's not all about age. Some stores fired the youngest some the oldest. They want to build a team and if there are a lot younger then older I am sure he or she odd man out.
Sorry for the spelling. I was typing with rage.
Im sorry. My husband was laid off too after 16 years of service . He has never been writen up and has had 5's on all his reviews. Plus a pay increase every year till he capped out. He is devistaed. He planned to work into retirment with Lowes. Lowes is not the store of 16 years ago. My husband gave everything he had to this company. He wouldnt even let me buy products elswhere if i could purchase them at lowes. He was a loyal hard work asm to didnt deserve this.
My husband was the oldest and possibly highest paid ASM as well. Odd, that he just got a raise 3 weeks ago. Strange. Now, we feel he fit both of those categories, oldest and highest paid. Yesterday he got a call and they asked him to come back and interview on the 27th. He will pass. I think the if enough ASM's that were let go together they would find age is the common denominator. That could get sticky for Lowe's if it's true.
Sorry for the grammar errors above. I am still so angry!
My husband was the oldest and possibly highest paid ASM as well. Odd, that he just got a raise 3 weeks ago. Strange. Now, we feel he fit both of those categories, oldest and highest paid. Yesterday he got a call and they asked him to come back and interview on the 27th. He will pass. I think the if enough ASM's that were let go together they would find age is the common denominator. That could get sticky for Lowe's if it's true.