Stanley Steemer is a well-known name in the cleaning industry, providing services such as carpet cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, and air duct cleaning. With over 70 years of experience, the company has built a reputation for its quality services and customer satisfaction. However, behind this successful business lies a series of lawsuits that have been filed against them over the years.
The Beginnings of Stanley Steemer
Stanley Steemer was founded in 1947 by Jack A. Bates and his brother-in-law, Joe A.Steemer. The company started as a small carpet cleaning business in Dublin, Ohio, with only one van and ten employees. However, with their dedication to providing exceptional service, the company quickly grew and expanded to other states. Today, Stanley Steemer has over 300 locations across the United States and is considered one of the largest carpet cleaning companies in the country. They have also expanded their services to include hardwood floor cleaning, upholstery cleaning, and water damage restoration.
The Lawsuits Against Stanley Steemer
Despite its success, Stanley Steemer has faced several lawsuits throughout its history.These lawsuits range from employee disputes to customer complaints. Let's take a closer look at some of the most notable legal battles that have involved the company.
1.Employee Misclassification Lawsuit
In 2015, Stanley Steemer was hit with a class-action lawsuit filed by its employees. The lawsuit alleged that the company had misclassified its technicians as independent contractors instead of employees. This classification meant that the technicians were not entitled to benefits such as overtime pay and health insurance. The lawsuit also claimed that the company did not reimburse its technicians for work-related expenses, such as gas and vehicle maintenance.The case was eventually settled for $1.75 million, with each technician receiving an average of $2,000 in compensation.
2.Discrimination Lawsuit
In 2017, a former employee of Stanley Steemer filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging discrimination and retaliation. The employee claimed that she was subjected to racial slurs and harassment by her supervisor and was eventually fired after reporting the incidents to human resources. The case was settled for an undisclosed amount, and Stanley Steemer released a statement denying any wrongdoing. They also stated that they have a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and harassment in the workplace.3.Customer Complaints
Over the years, Stanley Steemer has also faced numerous customer complaints, ranging from unsatisfactory services to damage to personal property. In 2019, a couple in Florida filed a lawsuit against the company after their hardwood floors were damaged during a cleaning service. The couple claimed that the technicians used too much water during the cleaning process, causing the floors to buckle and warp.The case was settled for an undisclosed amount, and Stanley Steemer released a statement apologizing for the incident and stating that they have taken steps to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
The Impact of Lawsuits on Stanley Steemer
With each lawsuit comes a financial cost for Stanley Steemer. Settlements and legal fees can add up quickly, affecting the company's bottom line. However, the impact of these lawsuits goes beyond just financial losses. Legal battles can also damage a company's reputation and erode customer trust. With social media and online review platforms, news of lawsuits can spread quickly, potentially deterring potential customers from using their services.This can result in a decline in sales and revenue for the company. Furthermore, lawsuits can also have a negative impact on employee morale. Employees may feel uncertain about the company's stability and may question their job security. This can lead to a decrease in productivity and overall job satisfaction.
The Response of Stanley Steemer
Despite the legal battles they have faced, Stanley Steemer has remained committed to providing quality services to its customers. The company has also taken steps to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. For instance, after the employee misclassification lawsuit, Stanley Steemer changed its classification of technicians from independent contractors to employees.This change ensures that all employees are entitled to benefits and protections under labor laws. The company has also implemented training programs for its employees to prevent discrimination and harassment in the workplace. They have also improved their customer service processes to address and resolve complaints promptly.
