Last Gasp For Maytag?

[cehalstead]

disputed knowledge

I am not saying that Maytag keeps the local dealer uninformed. My local dealer has great service and product knowledge. This dealer happened to be in another town, where I was working temporarily. He just happened to be uninformed of the new Neptune TL. By no means am I saying that local dealers are, as a group, uninformed. Actually, it would be quite the opposite....local dealers and salespeople at local stores are experts as a rule, and the salespeople at "big box" stores usually, BUT NOT ALWAYS...SOME ARE VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE, are moved from department to department, and don't always know the goods they are selling that day.

 

[launderess]

Forget Maytag

General Motors bonds were downgraded this week to "junk" status. Another great American manufacturer going down the toilet.

Again, one really feels for the older (anyone over 40 these days), and the retiree's of these companies. If one does not have a golden parachute or some other sweet heart deal set up, the financial future looks very shakey.

Saw something on PBS a few weeks ago about how many companies are revising their pension/retiree benefits decades after some workers have retired. Introducing or raising co-payments for health insurance if not other nasty tricks to play on those living on fixed incomes.

To the person knocking unions; if it weren't for the "protection" of some unions, many workers would have totally zip. This is very true today when companies seem to have absolutely no loyalty to workers and are increasingly trying to get more productivity out of less workers for less money/benefits. Try and speak up and you'll get "Hey, at least you have a job. If you don't like it, there's the door".

Launderess

 

[gansky1]

The grass is always greener...a two sided coin.

While it is true that corporate megaliths seem to have little concern for the worker-bees in the trenches, the same can be said for the employees as well. The company loyalty of mid-management and below level employees has nearly evaporated and many change jobs with the prevailing winds. Corporations spend millions of dollars on employee satisfaction and retention programs such as on site child care, flex scheduling and lactation space for nursing mothers not to mention all the other benefits so we can't shake our fists at corporate America and deny that the employees have no part in the anti-loyalty trend.

My step-father was a union employee for Western Electric for over 30 years and always was a staunch advocate for organized labor. Despite the union corruption that has been made famous by the movies and TV, many of these hard working people have been well served by their unions through the years. Being a member of a union isn't about gaining an upper hand against management of large corporations, many independent contractors (electricians, plumbers, masons, etc.) are provided access to group healthcare, pension funds, etc. that otherwise would not have been available to them. Sure there might be cheaper non-union labor to get the foundation of your home finished or the cement on the driveway poured and finished, but these people working for less money then are forced to rely on public welfare systems when they are injured on the job (or off the job) because they have no healthcare coverage or disability income insurance, they will depend on Social Security for retirement income which will not be enough to keep them above the poverty line, not to mention healthcare, nursing care if needed, on and on. And guess who ends up paying for that?

 

[mayken4now]

BUY ALL THE OLD MAYTAGS YOU CAN

This is somewhat heartbreaking, however, it is fun for me due to the fact that I can AFFORD IT!

Thanks to Launderess for all the input. You make total sense, girl or whoever you are. Thanks Cimberlee

Steve

 

[mayken4now]

How

Is this possilbe? I know I have read the letters but, Launderess, save them!

Steve

 

[launderess]

Don't Count The Old Girl Down Yet!

Maytag Recalls 80 Laid-Off Workers
May 6, 2005

Maytag is recalling some workers at its plant in Newton, IA, U.S. Company officials said 80 laid-off production workers will be called back to the washer-and-dryer factory because of increased production of the front-loading Neptune washer. Spokesman John Daggett said additional workers are needed to meet current and near-term demand in the market place. The recall is the first significant recall of production workers in nearly a year. (TheIowaChannel.com)

http://www.appliancemagazine.com/news.php?article=8525&zone=0&first=1

 

[mayken4now]

Looks Like A Step Forward

and this is good news! You are a plethera of information and so right on target!

Thanks.

Steve

 

[Cybrvanr]

I have noticed myself the overall trend in America to ever-increasing moving around and changing locations. This is especially true in big cities more than anywhere else. Most of the people in the towns are newcomers that have only been at their residence for 10 years or less. Many people, if they are loyal to their employer end up getting moved around from town to town ever few years or so at the whims of their employer. Other people will move from town to town seeking that ever higher salery. I see much of this being attributed to the loss of manufacturing in America, and the loss of union work, which would guarantee good job security as long as a plant was open for business. You just don't hear of multiple generations working in the same trade anymore.

It's a stark contrast to the way of life I grew up in. I guess it's because I have typically grown up with a "work to live" attitude, versus a "live to work" attitude. I have several generations of my family living within a mile radius of me. My parents, and grandpartents, along with a few cousins and my sister all live prety close together. We have basically chosen to live where we want to, and then persue a living based on that choice, versus the other way around.

 

[alr2903]

so true cybervanr

Stepford employees, and corporate drones. It just seems wacked to me.

 

[alr2903]

oh yeah

myg closed at $10.37

 

[westyslantfront]

Norge-O-Matic

On moving to Tucson, Az back in January, I had to purchase washer and dryer for laundry room. I have always been a die-hard Maytag fan since my first washing machine of my own in 1974 (A606).
I am dismayed at the lower quality of Maytags since they dropped the Dependable Care line and was sorely tempted to defect to Whirlpool/Kenmore.
Nevertheless, I remained loyal to Maytag and purchased a pair of T/L norge-o-matics as I call them.
Capacity of the plastic tub is ok and machine works well except that it is perfectly level and after each cycle, the tub is lop-sided. I called Maytag in and they told me that the Norge design has springs that do NOT adjust and not to worry about lop sided tub. The dryer has interior light which is nice. The washer lid feels flimsy compared to my previous Maytags.
All in All, I would like to see Maytag go back to the dependable care line and then they can outsell all the others based on their quality and reputation. I hope Maytag execs can figure this out.

 

[westytoploader]

How is the washing action of the Norgetag? The agitator base seemed larger so I'm assuming it has a slower stroke?

 

[mrsalvo]

My Dad's girlfriend bought a new Norgetag and, to be truthful,
I was NOT impressed. I don't think there is any insillation, I
could hear it across the house. My Dependable Care washer
is/was quieter before the tranny started going out. It's a '97
model with fast short agitation strokes. Have decided to buy a
Kenmore when the tranny does go out.

 

[mayken4now]

no DON'T BUY The Kenmore:

We Maytag fans have to pursue the company to come back to good machines, or else will end up like Westinghouse, Fridgdaire etc.

Talk to Maytag, let them know.

Perhaps all this will work.

Steve

 

[fixerman]

I believe the way to send a message to Maytag is to stop buying thier crap, not buy just for to keep them going. That sends the wrong message. Buy the Kenmore!

 

[mayken4now]

You Know What, You are Correct Fixerman

Why would I even consider. You are so correct. Send the message buy action, not voice.!

I still get confused as to the local (non box stores) Maytag private owned dealers in thier ability or inability to either deny or claim they don't know what's going on!

Let's see what will happen. Read under "Deluxe Thread #2038". Is Kenmore next? I have asked Launderess to take action and let us know about this new episode!

Steve