Gap CEO volunteers to cut annual salary

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  1

  UnderVal

  07/03/09 | Report as spam

  RE: Gap CEO volunteers to cut annual salary

  I have been touted as being among the better customer service and sales associates at the location that I work at.
  
  I was one of the associates that was given a five cent raise. I believe my co worker out of frustration has quit her job today. I make less than nine dollars an hour, and I continue to work with shady management and very unprofessional coworkers. Gossip, laziness, and backstabbing is just the start of problems I've seen with the location that I work at. CS is very poor at this location.
  
  Gap Inc is pretty fortunate that many non Americans who visit some of the tourist areas of the States are still interested in buying it's Chinese made clothes. I think more Americans are looking for better fashion and better quality..elsewhere even if they're all made in China.
  Maybe that is one reason why Gap is hurting, albeit in a bad economy, and perhaps that is why I got a five cent raise after an extensive and positive review. The Gap's CEO needs to do better than take a fifteen percent pay cut. Make that fifty percent..since he's probably grossly over paid. The Gap is just another retail company who has continued to disrespect American manufacturing and disrespect it's employees by paying {those with a college degree and beyond} low, poverty lined wages...while pressuring it's employees to sell, sell, sell, Gap Card, Gap Card, Gap Card....all the while it's clothing line is still made in China and in third world countries. Just a typical situation of someone else staying rich still expecting a lot from people like me...while paying those like me in the trenches squat.
  What else is new?

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  2

  JennBo

  10/14/09 | Report as spam

  RE: Gap CEO volunteers to cut annual salary

  There was a similar article in the SF Biz Journal where I had left a number of posts about my experience with one of the GAP Inc stores as a current employee:
  http://sanfrancisco.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2009/03/16/daily62.html
  
  As of today, all posts have been deleted. I am here to say on this particular forum [SF Chronicle] that I do believe that my posts were deleted not so much based upon an editor's personal opinion on my posts, but more so because my employer [Gap Inc] may have found who has posted this information, and perhaps have notified the editor. I understand how this may come across, however, I hope that on this particular site, I be allowed to copy and paste the same information that was deleted on the SF Biz Journal site. I have contacted CNN about this concern I have about fraud and abuse with credit card application, slander, gossip, and continued unethical terminations at my employment. Thanks
  
  
  I will proceed to copy and paste all these posts that I have saved. As disturbing and naive as my postings may seem, I still believe there is a dire situation unraveling [not just my own current employment with the Gap, in which I believe I'm about to lose soon due a these message board posts.. even if I've been touted as one of the better employees with respect to CS and Gap Card Apps.] I very much request and plea for somebody to help me in this situation - at least allowing me to post this information. There are about 8 posts that were deleted today from the SF Journal article on Gap CEO, Mr. Murphy and his pay cut.
  
  Thank you.

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  3

  JennBo

  10/14/09 | Report as spam

  First Post from San Fran Biz Journal Article

  Outlet Worker July 9, 2009 9:08PM EST
  
  
  As an employee of this company, I've got to say that the stuff that I'm reading about paycuts on the salaries of the CEO and other board members comes off as a bit of a joke. I believe these salaries are more a front as board members seem to make a lot more money through shares and how they "play" them. I don't think I need clue most of you in on that very possible fact. And for the media to try to tout that this CEO is taking a pay cut is purely disingenuous. It's bad enough that the Gap has failed to put two and two together.And what I mean by this is:The Gap, as being the most popular American retailer, has failed to implement it's manufacturing in the States. At least by now anyway.If Gap Inc. was able to do so at this time, which I believe they can via a test program, it would certainly bring much attention to American Consumers. The media would pump this information out no doubt. I'm sure the CEO and founder has wondered about this possiblity NO DOUBT.We already pay a lot for these clothes that are made in CHINA. Isn't that right, Mr and Mrs. Fisher? Most of these clothes that I've seen at the Gap so far are made in China or other third world countries. From what I can tell, The Gap and it's board members seem to lack the insight and forethought -perhaps I mean to say, COURAGE - to implement manufacturing jobs in States. And so, we as customers continue to pay a lot for a pair of over priced jeans or kackies are made in CHINA obviously on the cheap. Year after year. Decade after decade. The Fisher s have amassed billions of dollars by now. But do they really deserve to by the way Gap Inc has been run? Really?And here's the Gritty Part. Let get ready to rumble:So this goes on, while many employees like myself, who have CS/retail experience and a college education, are paid a little over 8 bucks an hour. Yep. I am struggling to pay for my basic needs while working for yet another corrupt and greedy corporation -- that, while having to work with some very shady employees and managers. Yes, I know. What else is new? Hell, I've worked in the tourism industry. Can you say European illegal aliens + discrimination against American candidates IN THE US + employement in the U.S = Ca-Ching? Did I mention that I and other employees have recently been lied to about some bogus incentive program? Seems to me that we had a great month. It was like a Zoo every day. I was ready for it. I could taste it. A whopping extra fifty bucks or maybe 75! Of course, corporate would then claim that sales were not over a certain percent above expected results. "Ooooh, we were so close...but nope, didn't make it. Let's try harder next month!" Yeah, I really see a bunch of teeny boppers trying extra hard...next month. Sure. I believe I am among tens of thousands of Gap Inc employees who are paid at or close to minimum wage...while folks like me are pressured to SELL, SELL, SELL. While those who are "favorites" even if some suck at CS are given "special" bonueses. I so love it when MODs open their big stupid mouths. And while we are pressured to present Gap Credit Cards, Banana Republic Cards/Old Navy in order to feel secure in keeping our jobs. Forget about any commission.Did I mention that I'm working with some very unprofessional managers and supervisors who act like a bunch of degenerate punks while gossiping non stop about emloyees they supervise and dislike? I'm all for diversity and all, but I don't need a gay, flamboyant supervisor/cheese monger to talk smack about me and others - infront of me..and others. What is he? Qualified to be rude, because he's a flaming gay guy? Are you kidding me? As if I need to hear him tell me, "Oooh love your hair!" the next day. How pathetic and gross. And unprofessional. Actually, that is pretty common with gay guys in retail. My bad. Moving along..I mean, Jesus, I'm working at the Gap...not at Walmart. I bet Walmart pays better. But I won't lower myself to a store (or Target) that sells EVERY DARN item made in China.Btw, these are the same creeps who contribute to OUR individual reviews. As much as I've been touted on how much I provide CS, push credit cards, and how much I help other team members, I received a near perfect AVERAGE rating. And get this. The place where I work is where Voyerism seems to be the managers'/supervisors' favorite work activity. Employees are being watched on video second by second by not only security [which I understand of course] but by managers and supervisors..many who sit around A LOT. I've witnessed certain ones wh o have made unnecessary comments about some employees. Btw, if they're watching us every second of the minute, aren't they all able to discern who's doing their job and who isn't?Anway, I am trying to find another job. And I'm also researching a way to buy American clothes. I've heard about http://howtobuyamerican.com. I'm about to check it out. Not that I would go to American Apparel of course and buy a bunch of tacky leggons and Home Eco looking clothes any time soon. But at least, Dov Charney has the gumption to pay his [albeit some illegal] employees twice the minimum wage...while AP makes the clothes in the US!Good thinking - Mr. Fisher.Hey Mr. Fisher, just a quick question, when is it appropriate to fire someone who is cheating Gap card applications? When they get less than 100 or up to 100 or more? Oh and is it okay for a manager, who btw, was just got promoted to supervise other centers, to act like she's 15 while gossiping and making fun of employees in front of me and others? You know, while she's picking at her face? PS: Who's afraid of retaliation? And who's afraid of being fired for "technical" reasons..instead of being fired for making this audacious post? Not me. I've got a memo four pages long, baby. I'll be sure to keep San Fran BJ posted.
  
  

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  4

  JennBo

  10/14/09 | Report as spam

  Second Post from San Fran Biz Journal Post

  
  Outlet Worker July 21, 2009 1:03AM EST
  Ref from a blog post: Gap CEO Glenn Murphy received total compensation of $9.3 million in 2008 for his first full year on the job. For 2009 he's volunteered to reduce his salary by 15 percent, which will reduce the size of his bonus.End Ref.Wonder how much Don and Doris Fisher made last year? I made about 3000 dollars in four months working close to full time without benefits. I'm all for appreciating and rewarding creativity and novel ideas in any business. And I'm all for the Fishers, officers, and managers making a good living. But exactly how much compared to others? Is a sales associate's time and energy worth more or less than eight bucks an hour? And aren't these clothes manufactured in China anyway? If my time, energy, financial obligations, and happiness isn't worth more than eight bucks an hour while working for the Gap, then why would you, Mr. and Mrs. Fisher, expect people like me t o pitch Gap credit cards to every single customer who I come in contact with. Why would any of you expect me to go beyond CS and try to sell as many of Gap garments without any kind of commission?And btw, do you not realize how harassed and crummy customers feel after receiving a mesh bag right before being asked about the Gap Card?

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  5

  JennBo

  10/14/09 | Report as spam

  Fourth Post that was deleted on SF Biz Journal

  
  
  Outlet Worker August 14, 2009 10:50AM EST
  
  My Nightmare with an assistant manager who kept complimenting and calling me the first three weeks of my employment.
  
  
  I'll just go ahead and use this forum as the Outlet Worker's Blog. Assistant Managers Who Prey On People Who Act Too Nice At First.[in other words, another example of how dumb guys-even unattactive ones-think you like them for being nice to them]
  
  
  For some reason, I'm really getting irritated by this one assistant manager who used to like me and harass me over trying to date me while calling me every day for two weeks. I can't believe I didn't really see it as a pathetic situation a few months back when this was happening - as I do at this time. Now, I'm really just sickened. Maybe I'm just mad at other stuff..and when I see this person, I'm just really irritated. Perhaps so.
  
  
  
  I was worried about this other young woman, but I think she's fine and has told him she's married. I won't even divulge on this guy's overall behavior and his image since I really don't want to come off as seriously rude....but I gotta say again, I feel so sick around this guy. God let this all end.

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  6

  JennBo

  10/14/09 | Report as spam

  Fifth Post that was deleted from the SF Biz Journal.

  [This posting was around the time my assistant managers were acting pretty calm and reserved around me more so than before. I guess I can say that much of the gossip, overt negative attitudes by some managers, and the slander of other employees began to come to a big halt as far as I could tell. The manager at this point was no longer as friendly and easy going around me as before, other than kindly saying hello. It seemed as if managment was trying to it's best masking thier awareness of these posts. As paranoid as I may come across when I say so, I can not emphasize enough as what kind of difference I began to notice shortly after posting about my experiences.]
  
  
  Outlet Worker September 30, 2009 4:37PM EST
  
  Okay, let's see, how can I prevent coming across as a drama queen about all this...I guess I'm a bit late for that. Anyway, here's another installment of As The Gap Turns. First off, my sincere condolences to The Fisher family, especially since Mr. Fisher died of a pretty bad disease. And even though, I still believe Mr. Fisher has been among many in the retail world and among the 500 Fortune Companies of the US that are overwrought with greed while underpaying it's workers much of the time, I still feel for him for dying at a fairly not so old age. C'mon, I'm being sincere, I really am. Maybe "you're" the one who is negative and apathetic, tsk. Anway.Something somewhat significant is about to happen. Key words: discrimination, stradegy, bad or outstanding reference, can't wait to get rid of me for good, Google, switch and bait. Stay tuned.

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  7

  JennBo

  10/14/09 | Report as spam

  6th Post deleted from San Fran Biz Journal

  
  Outlet Worker October 7, 2009 7:38PM EST
  
  
  I just noticed that this site has recently become the first site up after googling "Gap CEO"..before, this page was a few links down below. Seems to be getting popular these days..hmm, let me ponder this. You'd think there would be a bunch of Gap officers/managers constantly "surveillancing" this site or something. Wonder if they think this outlet worker could be a....huhhhhh...shutter... VIO-lent socio-PATH!! [i.e., CNN's CoWorkers Who Kill!]My goodness gracious, are you kidding me? Come on now. I mean it's not like I don't have the internet as a "weapon" or maybe Anderson Cooper [I emailed a bunch of media nets about this site..okay, maybe a couple]. But lil' o' me a potential violent sociopath? I'd rather be giving a bunch of these pathetic Gappy Crappers entertaining posts to gawk and talk about in order to entertain themselves and form meaningful bonds with one another instead. Doesn't any body get it? I'm trying to help instill some embulience and life into my fellow coworkers and supervisors. How long must they be so..you know, SNL's version of the Gap? Yes. They REALLY do act that bad. I'm not kidding, [Anderson]! Here's a thought, why don't you just google my name, my fellow, Gappy Crappers. How about conducting an background check..since you're just sitting around doing nada. Oh right...you've been there done that. Find anything interesting? Of course, back ground checks are done essentially for the purposes of when someone has managed to grab your attention and p'ss you off- right?

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  8

  JennBo

  10/14/09 | Report as spam

  Currently as of October 14, 2009

  So basically I've copied and pasted most of the posts that were deleted today from the San Fran Biz Journal on this message board. I won't be surprised if someone from the Gap or anyone else for that matter will report these posts as "abuse" on this site as well, perhaps the same reason why these same posts were deleted from the other site.
  I did recently mention that I notified a couple of media networks about that site, maybe that's a problem for sites like this. And if it is, forgive me for saying so, I think I'm dealing with even more snivelling and biased cowards than I bargained for. I'm determined to let the "truth" of the matter to seep out somewhere on this site or elsewhere.
  
  
  And as obnoxious, cantakerous, diabolical...or feeble minded as my posts/attitude can come across - with not the best articulate or coherent writing (I'm aware) - I am simply trying to reach out to ordinary people including the media on how those in an industry such as the retail industry can behave unethically while acting if "they" are doing no wrong...that while potentially fooling investors. I'm suspectful, however I understand I may be pretty much wrong over some of these concerns I have had recently. Definitely not wrong about what I've witnessed behaviorally along with at least one fraudulent credit card app fraud that I witnessed and later reported...yet the same person is still there.
  
  That being said, based on what I've seen from co workers and managers, I do believe foul play is going on strong, year after year...years after I ever started working at this company. Perhaps it's the norm in the corporate world for that matter...not just retail. Investor fraud is a serious issue. Anyone reading this will have to refer to the very first post I made on San Fran Biz Journal.
  
  To be very clear without wanting to seem even more naive about all this, I do need someone to help me especially after today. No B Net per say, but anyone who knows anything about these issues in retail. This is basically because I feel that I'm about to lose my position fairly soon. A ticking time bomb...no, not me...but my bosses...all the way up to Corporate.
  
  I am in serious danger of being jobless and homeless as I live pay check to paycheck without even being able to pay back student loans or buy a new car for the first time in over 12 years..yes, at least mine still runs for now. But I'm determined to not let this go, I am aware of the implications that are right around the corner.
  
  
  I've dealt with putting myself out there in another industry, with witnesses, a few people, including head hunters, praising me for speaking out, but I lost most of the job potential in that industry for doing so..for speaking out on matters such as illegal immigration and discrimination against nationalities.
  
  Now I'm working for the Gap, and of course I expect there to be corruption in every business, but I am tired of it all as well. I'm tired of the kind of bull **** being peddled by a bunch of low skilled, under-educated, arrogant [ignorance is bliss] people who should have my job instead.
  
  I'm just tired of it all.
  
  Something needs to change...and not for the sake of more "happy and shiny" obnoxious ass hats pretending to like me Very Very much either. Eck.
  
  
  

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  9

  UnderVal

  11/03/09 | Report as spam

  Covert Retaliation

  I'm waiting for some information involving other employees. I can not discuss the entire situation on this forum at this time. I'm aware that by now it is highly possible that my supervisors are watching this site fairly closely. The interactions of some of these people have been pretty distinct than right before I starting posting. And I'm pretty ordinary as they come. I'm one of the most gentle and boring people I know. Course, I'm glad I'm that way.
  
  
  I think I've said this before, I'm pretty decent at CS and fairly consistent at pitching credit cards and selling. I've always enjoyed sales and customers. My interactions with customers and employees can help keep my mind off poverty, greed, corruption at the Gap.. the cheesy chess game that I did (not want to) start. And I think I can speak for other employees at my location who enjoy working for and with others.
  
  And when I mention poverty by way of greed and corruption, I of course understand that this happens pretty every which way..everywhere...though not necessarily all that obvious or all that serious either.
  
  It may be part of life, but we can always use small shiz starters aswell as big ones especially when the corruption is too obvious. Unfortunately, the small ones are the ones who very often fail and lose...even lose their entire lives..not just all the assets that they own and have pawned away for survival whether they are jobless or work full time while living in America.
  
  So I say, for today, there has to be a God, right?
  
  Not to sound cliche, since I really can come across as one , ahem, but it's almost like a chess game. I'm guessing that what some of these people will need to do inorder to for things to look "fair" and...not so retaliatory is find a reason to keep me at bay. Pretty sad.

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  10

  UnderVal

  11/09/09 | Report as spam

  Oh boy. THIS IS THE BIG ONE!

  I just witnessed something pretty obnoxious by somebody who is in supervisoral position committing a violation. This is the same person who has called blacks the n word and discussed female body parts in an improper manner. I confronted this person about it..kind of sheepishly.
  
  Why would I even bother to blabber about "that" instead of the "usual" stuff on this forum, because I just learned that a complaint about me has just been issued by the person who committed the violation. Wonder what I'm gonna be in trouble for. Over hearing and asking the person about it?
  
  I have not gone to managment as of yet because, despite managers telling any of us employees that their will be no retaliation, I don't feel that I can trust many of these folks as far as I can throw... that assistant manager who tried to date/kiss/call me/possibly-still-trying-to-FaceBook-me-under yet-a-different-name...who happened to be the one who received the complaint by the cash lead who committed a violation. This (stalker) MOD has also once nosied in on some stupid cashier who suspected me of putting a low price sticker on a clearance item when I was purchasing some clothes (she kept asking me if that was the right price and if I was sure). What an idiot. And I used to take this woman home when she needed a ride. What the hell?
  
  And so, when that happened...I ended up telling a cash lead...while my "stalker" ended up going up to this stupid cashier, getting information (dish) on what happened.
  
  By the way, to my manager who possibly WITCH hunting this site (along with Banana...Hi!), nothing happened, no one argued or raised their voice...I just told her that I was offended that she kept *asking* me if this was the "right" price. I paid for my clothes and walked away before..going to a cash lead. Which was the right thing for me to do. This was appalling, right? But nothing to really balk at...so, why would I bring this up on THIS SITE...because it shows the absuridity of how this business is being managed...*who's really managing it while on shift*...and what kind of intelligence and maturity these people have or lack.
  
  Btw, the very young cash lead was decent enough to tell me to call the Gap Code line in a very professional manner. She also hinted to me to call about this MOD who's had crossed the line with me. Did I do this? Of course not, because of my own fears of retaliation and selfishness to play some stupid game in trying to maintain my employment without possibley being black listed. Perhaps this one another reason why I'm typing ALL this mumbo jumbo. By the time, YOU have black listed me with all these message board rants..I was already blacklisted as far as I can tell. And I have seen people fired...good and decent..ordinary, CS oriented folks fired..what are the reasons...some MOD's ego..or yours?
  
  Despite some of the praises in how I've work well with others and CS, I don't really trust many of my supervisors. Especially since a few of these managers by now act like--what a shocker---as if I'm some kind of feeble minded wierdo, nut job by now. Uh oh. Disgruntled Worker Alert. "Like, whatever dude." T'F ever.
  
  One of the MODs today actually rolled his eyes in disdain when I joked with him and another person about pimping for a GC with another sales associate. I guess he's mad at this site. Hmm. Anyway, as I said this afternoon to the shmuck, "You had to be there." (oh that's right, you were, HI...wait, I mean, haaay!).
  
  
  If I was actually immune to getting fired by playing your game, I would insult the **** out of you, "southern style".
  Which can pretty painful. So, Mr. Flamboyantly, Ambiguously Gay/Ghetto Fab Wannabee, just be glad that I'm nice enough to play dumb and "cheesy" with you and your nasty ilk...it's just my way of saying "Hey man, I'm tolerating you asshats way more than you're tolerating me." Mmkay, missy?
  
  What? I'm being discriminating, retalitory, slanderous, inflammatory, and so against Gap Policy...SHUTTER..HUH! Well, no ****. So are the rest of you! Not even that ambiguously either. I see and hear you peeps every day acting the fool. Worse than LP pretending to look the other way when it comes to "steal" stuff. Including Ms. Horrible Hair Color who was promoted ..while for years having looked the other way when it came to GAP CARD APP fraud.
  
  And for people to say this place is clique-ish...um, let me say this as eloquent, albeit IMMATURE, as I can, this is the lamest clique I've ever had to endure at a job site.
  
  Even if, I'm being an asshat myself on this site --not at my job btw, I should not expect games, lies, or excuses by management when I'm ready to leave and put in my two weeks. But I know it's coming. Soon, yet as if I'm worried, since I expect it from people like You. Are you reading this Mr. Center Manager?
  
  Ooops almost forgot, did I mention to anyone (from corporate) that my manager has told me that he lost certain information two weeks after I gave him some particular information. I just happen to bump into him in the break room..two weeks later...yet all of a sudden he lost the info? Why was I not told this earlier, Mr. Center Manager...your were busy? Really? Or are you stalling by way of retaliation?
  And exactly who all are part of "this" as well?
  
  I would think someone would call me and snatch wonderful me up in a heart beat..well at least, with in a few weeks right? Yet nobody cares to interview or touch base with lil' oh me?
  
  So, my wonderful and very integral boss did tell me that he is losing one of his best associates, and that he will be a good reference....even if my "character" isn't jiving well with people "lately". Is that what you said, Chief?
  
  So. Before I get lectured or written up for being a trouble making prude for calling out a nasty and immature cash lead for gossiping and slander, I want to make this very clear to anyone reading this--you know, for what it's worth..and to Corporate possibly reading any of this-- that I have documentation of these incidents and others. I know, it's just my words against this location. Your excuse will be that I did not come forth earlier on, so null and void right? You think that will save this anyone's ass?
  
  Well, no ****, of course, you're probably right.
  Chances are, nobody will really listen. I understand THAT.
  I'm not being sarcastic.
  
  I can lose my job today, and start writing more manifestos over my experiences with this company...like others have on other forums...and still "nobody" (media) will really listen or give a **** about my "blithering mumbo jumbo".
  
  But I still have my laptop, and there are more and more "disturbed" fu**s like me...and also...you know, Micheal Moores popping up almost on a daily basis. Maybe that, can be, I don't...one day...sooner or later...dangerous? Perhaps.
  
  All in all, do you really, really think people will get away with lies and corruption forever? Fo'eva eva?

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  11

  UnderVal

  11/09/09 | Report as spam

  yes- i'm mad as hell...

  ...and that's why i have lots of grammatical errors!
  

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  12

  UnderVal

  11/09/09 | Report as spam

  Major typo

  correction:
  
  "But I still have my laptop, and there are more and more "disturbed" fu**s like me...and also...you know, Micheal Moores popping up almost on a daily basis. Maybe that would be a real bad thing for a retail giant like The Gap."
  
  Obviously, any of us should be more careful when "angry" typing...since some semi witted people would actually assume possible work place violence (shutter!) when bitching about your job on a message board, right?
  
  what's that? am i being so immature? aww...well, how about YOU put on thinking cap and realize. and stop talking to us like we are all ignorant kids from the hood. act grown up yourselves when you're doing your one minutes with us. or when you have meetings with us.
  
  oh and could you speak more clearly and professional while you're "lecturing" and trying to intimidate us?
  
  thanks.

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  13

  JennBo

  11/16/09 | Report as spam

  Flushing

  More details soon.

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  14

  JennBo

  11/19/09 | Report as spam

  Blantant Deception

  I'm going to ask a "rhetorical" question:
  
  How often is it for a supervisor (at Gap Inc) to get a way with lying and defrauding an employee...when it comes to a referral?
  
  Even if you can prove it, at least twice?
  I'm not talking about the typical bs over incentive programs.