Les Schwab Tire Centers Ends EEOC Complaint

Business Wire, July 1, 2008

PRINEVILLE, Ore. -- Les Schwab Tire Centers announced today that it has agreed to settle a lawsuit initiated in 2006 by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), while denying the federal agency's claims of discriminatory employment practices in a Kalispell, Montana tire store.

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

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

About Les Schwab Tire Centers

Les Schwab founded Les Schwab Tire Centers in Prineville, Oregon in 1952. Today the company is one of the leading independent tire dealers in the United States with more than 7,700 employees in 410 locations throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, California, Nevada, Alaska and Utah.

In the last eight months Les Schwab Tire Centers received two awards for its employment and business practices. The company ranked among the top 20 companies in the Oregon Business magazine "Best Places to Work" and it received an Environmental Excellence award from the Association of Washington Business.