Regrettably, Amtrak is just, for the most part, abiding by societies norms of petty tyrants, lazy workers, and often outright loathing (often deserved) for ones employers. I dont support it, just want to point out it isnt strictly an Amtrak thing.
The other day I was in a Jo-Anns buying some blackout curtain material so I can make sunshades for my van, which serves as my mobile office. The employee was helpful in finding me the cheapest material that would adequately do the job, which was nice. She then cut me the specified amount. Finally, she pointed out there was a tiny little pen mark about half an inch long, and asked me if I would like a different piece.
Since we are talking about the inside of a work van, I really could have cared less. I asked if a tiny discount could be applied to the fabric purchase. When I said tiny, I was expecting 5% and would have been pleased with 15% and overjoyed with 25%. She gave me 75% off. Perhaps that comes across as good customer service to you; but speaking as a retailer, it comes across different: employer hatred. There is no reason to discount this piece anywhere near this much, especially given my attitude, needs, and nature (I look like a disheveled Young Santa Clause complete with overalls). The employee did not care about her employer or their profitability.
And that kind of hatred? Its usually earned by poor treatment, bad work place policies, job insecurity, and general disrespect. Contrast that with Boscovs, where most employees actually went through the grieving process over the death of Al Boscov last year. They work their employees hard, but they also respect them and treat them properly. Which is probably why Boscovs has so far not been affected by current retail trends.
