**The Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County** is launching a **Customer Service Survey** to gather feedback from the community. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of services provided to the public. By participating in this survey, residents can directly influence the improvements and changes made in the court's operations. Your insights are invaluable for ensuring that the court meets the needs and expectations of its users. Make your voice heard and help shape a better customer experience!

Cook County Circuit Court Seeks Your Feedback: Participate in Their Customer Service Survey!

Contact center staff at Woolworths New Zealand have gone on strike for the third time in two weeks, affecting the retailer’s phone and email customer support lines that handle online ordering and logistics, complaints and refunds, and loyalty program queries at the busiest time of year.

Workers First Union members are **striking in response to proposed changes** they describe as “clawbacks” to their working conditions.

**Elle Sun-Min Park, Organizer at Workers First**, said union members are resisting Woolworths’ attempts to make three main changes: requiring workers to be available for 12 hours a day while being paid for eight; removing their right to one weekend day off; and forcing staff back to Auckland-based offices despite many being hired as permanent remote workers. The union has also expressed concern about the potential for their jobs to be outsourced, as advertisements for their roles, which report to Australian managers, have been placed in Manila, Philippines.

> “In terms of how they treat workers, Woolworths used to be the better half of the supermarket duopoly,” Park said. “Their reputation is getting worse every day, and their approach is punitive and unnecessary.”

The “flexi-start” availability is one of the most contentious proposals. The strike also highlights a growing tension between companies’ workforce strategies and post-pandemic policy reversals. Many Woolworths customer care employees were recruited into permanent remote roles after 2020 and some have since relocated their families outside Auckland.

Changes to work-from-home agreements may simplify managerial oversight, but they come at a reputational cost. For customers, inconsistent service levels and longer wait times are often the first visible symptoms of employee discontent, and disruptions during emotionally charged periods amplify customer dissatisfaction and brand damage.

RNZ reported that around 105 staff were involved in the Christmas Eve contact center strike, with the union expecting delays for customer enquiries.

## Customer Service Suffers When Employee Experience Breaks Down

Christmas is already a stress test for customer service departments. Volumes spike, emotions run high, and contact centers become the human firewall between operational complexity and customer trust.

When the employee experience erodes, customer experience follows, often at the worst possible moment. These issues affect response times and the agents’ efforts to keep customer interactions calm and constructive, especially during peak trading periods.

Woolworths, for its part, disputes the union’s characterization according to RNZ. **Mark Wolfenden, Director of Ecommerce** stated:

> “We are disappointed the union has chosen to do this today, our busiest day of the year for our customers and our team.”

“It’s also disappointing that the union have decided to bargain in the media, rather than come back to the table to secure a deal for their members, especially as there is an offer on the table which is fair and reasonable,” Wolfenden added.

Wolfenden said statements about staff being forced back into the office were untrue and that the company would “continue to support flexible working arrangements which are designed to best serve our customers and their needs. We will also continue to pay team for all the hours they work.”

Workers First alleges that Woolworths locked out staff for two days in retaliation for a previous three-hour contact center strike action earlier this month.

“This Christmas, they have taken the ‘scrooge’ approach and locked out workers for two days as a retaliation for a three-hour strike action, which is their democratic right,” Park said.

Across industries, customer service teams rely on frontline workers while having limited influence over bargaining, workforce policy, or cost-cutting decisions. Yet when contact center employees are dissatisfied, customers experience those decisions immediately in longer queues, slower resolutions and emotionally fatigued agents.

Woolworths NZ contact center staff strike ahead of Christmas, reflecting the disruption to customer service from eroding employee experience.

Woolworths NZ Strike Crisis: How Employee Discontent Shatters Christmas Customer Service

## A Legacy of Service Excellence

STM Trucks & Machinery has reinforced its dedication to delivering comprehensive support for businesses across New South Wales, building on **five decades of experience** serving the trucking and machinery sectors throughout the state.

The family-owned company, which operates from three strategic locations spanning Western Sydney to the South Coast and Canberra region, has outlined its continued focus on providing **responsive service and reliable support** to small business owners, landscapers, and tradespeople who depend on commercial vehicles and industrial equipment for their livelihoods.

"Our customers are the foundation of everything we do, and that principle has guided this company for 50 years," said a spokesperson for STM Trucks & Machinery. "We understand that when equipment is not working, businesses are not earning. Every decision we make centres on keeping our customers operational and their businesses thriving."

## Service Infrastructure Designed for Customer Needs

STM's service infrastructure has been developed to address the diverse requirements of commercial vehicle and machinery operators. The company's Smeaton Grange headquarters houses a **workshop capable of accommodating large vehicles**, including B-Doubles, with operations running six days per week and **emergency support available around the clock**.

The workshop features amenities designed to accommodate customers who choose to wait while their vehicles are serviced. Rest facilities, a waiting lounge with refreshments and television, and courtesy vehicles are available to minimise disruption for customers during service appointments.

## Extensive Parts Division and Delivery Network

The company maintains an **extensive parts division** stocking genuine and aftermarket components for multiple brands, including Iveco, Fuso, International, Kobelco, ASV, and Cummins. Inventory encompasses engine components, braking systems, electrical parts, and custom accessories. A dedicated parts team sources specialist items when specific components are not immediately available in stock, reducing wait times for customers requiring urgent replacements.

"We have invested in building a parts network and workshop capability that reflects what our customers actually need," the spokesperson added. "Whether someone requires a routine service or faces an unexpected breakdown at midnight, we have structured our operations to respond effectively."

Parts delivery services operate twice daily throughout Metropolitan Sydney, with additional afternoon coverage extending to the Southern Highlands and Wollongong regions. **Expedited shipping options** are available for urgent part replacements, helping to minimise downtime for time-sensitive operations. For customers unable to transport equipment, STM provides on-site servicing and repairs at customer locations.

## Strategic Three-Location Network

The company's three-location network positions STM to serve a substantial geographic footprint across New South Wales. The Smeaton Grange headquarters in Western Sydney is complemented by branches in Queanbeyan West, providing access for Canberra-based customers, and Unanderra on the South Coast. This network enables the company to maintain **consistent service standards** while remaining accessible to customers across different regions.

## Beyond Servicing: Comprehensive Business Solutions

Beyond servicing and parts, STM offers new trucks from manufacturers including Iveco and Fuso, alongside machinery from brands such as Kobelco, Merlo, ASV and D'avino. Pre-owned trucks and machinery are regularly added to inventory for customers seeking alternative purchasing options. **Finance solutions with flexible terms and fast approvals** help customers acquire the necessary equipment, while installation services ensure the machinery is operational upon delivery. Customisation options allow transportation equipment to be tailored to specific business requirements.

Technical support services complement the company's parts and servicing operations, providing guidance to help customers achieve optimal performance from their equipment. Ongoing maintenance programs are available to protect customer investments and extend the operational lifespan of trucks and machinery.

![STM Trucks & Machinery Reaffirms Commitment to Customer Service](https://cdn.open-pr.com/L/c/Lc23249521_g.jpg)

## About STM Trucks & Machinery

STM Trucks & Machinery, formerly known as Sydney Trucks and Machinery, is a family-owned provider of trucks and machinery with over 50 years of industry experience. Headquartered in Smeaton Grange, Western Sydney, the company operates additional branches in Queanbeyan West and Unanderra, serving customers throughout New South Wales. STM offers new and used trucks from brands including Iveco and Fuso, machinery from manufacturers such as Kobelco, Merlo, ASV, and D'avino, and a comprehensive parts division that stocks genuine and aftermarket components. The company's workshop facilities, parts delivery services, finance solutions, and technical support are designed to keep businesses operational.

Press release - STM Trucks & Machinery - STM Trucks & Machinery Reaffirms Commitment to Customer Service Across New South Wales - published on openPR.com

How STM Trucks & Machinery Delivers Unbeatable Customer Service Across NSW

Conway Corp has been recognized for outstanding performance in customer service and leadership, with several employees receiving **Customer Service Excellence (CSE) Awards** at the **2025 Mid-America Cable Telecommunications Association (MACTA) Fall** conference.

## Recognition of Excellence

This award highlights Conway Corp's commitment to delivering exceptional service and fostering strong leadership within their team. The **CSE Awards** are a significant honor in the telecommunications industry, celebrating those who go above and beyond in customer interactions.

## Impact on the Industry

By winning these awards, Conway Corp sets a high standard for customer service in the cable and telecommunications sector. Their success demonstrates how **dedicated employees** and effective **leadership strategies** can lead to industry-wide recognition and improved customer satisfaction.

## Why This Matters

In today's competitive market, **customer service excellence** is crucial for retaining clients and building a reputable brand. Conway Corp's achievement serves as an inspiration for other companies aiming to enhance their service quality and employee development programs.

Conway Corp was recognized for excellence in customer service and leadership when several employees were awarded Customer Service Excellence (CSE) Awards during the 2025 Mid-America Cable Telecommunications Association (MACTA) Fall

Conway Corp Employees Shine: How They Won Prestigious Customer Service Excellence Awards

## Pye-Barker Fire & Safety Acquires Lowitt Alarms & Security Systems, Strengthening Long Island Service

**Pye-Barker Fire & Safety**, the largest fully integrated and full-service fire protection, life safety, and security services provider in the United States, has acquired **Lowitt Alarms & Security Systems, Inc.**, a security systems and fire alarm provider serving Long Island, New York. This acquisition further establishes Pye-Barker's security alarm services in the Northeast, elevating customer experience and comprehensive fire and life safety for heightened community impact.

![Pye-Barker Fire and Safety Lowitt Alarms and Security Systems](https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2851239/Pye_Barker_Fire_and_Safety_Lowitt_Alarms_and_Security_Systems.jpg)

**Lowitt Alarms & Security Systems** provides comprehensive security systems, intrusion detection, video surveillance, fire detection, and fire alarm systems to customers throughout Long Island. Backed by 24-hour monitoring and an award-winning central station, Lowitt Alarms installs, inspects, tests, and maintains systems with an emphasis on safety and code compliance. Based in Hicksville, New York, Lowitt Alarms has an impeccable reputation for **customer care** and protecting Long Island families and businesses since its founding in 1969. The company's commitment to safeguarding homes and businesses throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties has made it a cornerstone of community safety.

"Over the last half century, our locally operated team has led with **customer service** to become one of the most trusted fire and life safety brands in Long Island," said Andrew Lowitt, owner of Lowitt Alarms & Security Systems. "Now with the national backing of Pye-Barker, we have the resources to expand our service network to protect even more lives and property."

"A genuine passion for protecting others is foundational to the culture at Lowitt Alarms & Security Systems," said Bart Proctor, CEO of Pye-Barker. "Their longstanding commitment to the Long Island community and focus on **customer relationships** align perfectly with our values. That drive and local expertise will prove invaluable as we strengthen our integrated fire and life safety services throughout the Northeast."

Lowitt Alarms & Security Systems' skilled technicians will continue to serve customers in Long Island and surrounding areas. Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP represented Pye-Barker.

### About Pye-Barker Fire & Safety

As the U.S. leader in fully integrated life safety systems, **Pye-Barker Fire & Safety** provides complete fire protection and security systems nationwide. With over 250 locations and 8,000 team members, Pye-Barker is Great Place to Work® Certified™ and is also listed on the Inc. 5000 and ranks No. 4 on the SDM 100.

Visit **pyebarkerfs.com/acquisitions** to learn why we're the industry's acquirer of choice.

**Contact:**

Philip H Gardner
EVP, Business Development – M&A
philip.gardner@pyebarkerfs.com

**Media Contact:**

James Taylor
jtaylor@fulltiltconsulting.com

![Pye-Barker Fire and Safety Logo](https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1396456/pbfs_logo_2020Artboard_1_2x_100_Logo.jpg)

View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pye-barker-fire--safety-acquires-lowitt-alarms--security-systems-strengthening-long-island-service-302648861.html

SOURCE Pye-Barker Fire & Safety

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety Acquires Lowitt Alarms & Security Systems, Strengthening Long Island Service
              
            
            
              
                Pye-Barker Fire & Safety Acquires Lowitt Alarms & Security Systems, Strengthening Long Island Service
                PR Newswire
                ATLANTA, Dec. 23, 2025
              
              
ATLANTA, Dec. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pye-Barker Fire & Safety — the largest fully integrated and full-service fire protection, life safety and security services provider in the United States — has acquired Lowitt Alarms & Security Systems, Inc., a security systems and fire alarm provider serving Long Island, New York. This acquisition further establishes Pye-Barker's security alarm services in the Northeast, elevating customer experience and comprehensive fire and life safety for heightened community impact.
    
                
                        
                     
                        
                
    
Lowitt Alarms & Security Systems provides comprehensive security systems, intrusion detection, video surveillance, fire detection and fire alarm systems to customers throughout Long Island. Backed by 24-hour monitoring and an award-winning central station, Lowitt Alarms installs, inspects, tests and maintains systems with an emphasis on safety and code compliance. Based in Hicksville, New York, Lowitt Alarms has an impeccable reputation for customer care and protecting Long Island families and businesses since its founding in 1969. The company's commitment to safeguarding homes and businesses throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties has made it a cornerstone of community safety."Over the last half century, our locally operated team has led with customer service to become one of the most trusted fire and life safety brands in Long Island," said Andrew Lowitt, owner of Lowitt Alarms & Security Systems. "Now with the national backing of Pye-Barker, we have the resources to expand our service network to protect even more lives and property.""A genuine passion for protecting others is foundational to the culture at Lowitt Alarms & Security Systems," said Bart Proctor, CEO of Pye-Barker. "Their longstanding commitment to the Long Island community and focus on customer relationships align perfectly with our values. That drive and local expertise will prove invaluable as we strengthen our integrated fire and life safety services throughout the Northeast."Lowitt Alarms & Security Systems' skilled technicians will continue to serve customers in Long Island and surrounding areas. Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP represented Pye-Barker.About Pye-Barker Fire & SafetyAs the U.S. leader in fully integrated life safety systems, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety provides complete fire protection and security systems nationwide. With over 250 locations and 8,000 team members, Pye-Barker is Great Place to Work® Certified™ and is also listed on the Inc. 5000 and ranks No. 4 on the SDM 100.Visit pyebarkerfs.com/acquisitions to learn why we're the industry's acquirer of choice.Contact:Philip H GardnerEVP, Business Development – M&Aphilip.gardner@pyebarkerfs.com Media Contact: James Taylor jtaylor@fulltiltconsulting.com

                
                        
                     
                        
                




  View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pye-barker-fire--safety-acquires-lowitt-alarms--security-systems-strengthening-long-island-service-302648861.htmlSOURCE Pye-Barker Fire & Safety

How a Major Acquisition is Transforming Fire and Safety Services on Long Island

Automaker Nissan Motor has issued an apology after Red Hat, the company developing a customer management system for its dealerships, detected a breach that exposed the data of 21,000 customers in Japan.

Red Hat detected the unauthorized access on September 26, 2025. It cut off the access and took measures to prevent re-intrusion into the server, then informed Nissan of the data breach on October 3. The automaker reported the incident to Japan’s Personal Information Protection Commission.

The data leak affected customers who have bought a vehicle or had service done at Fukuoka Nissan Motor (now called Nissan Fukuoka Sales).

The companies confirmed that the data included some customer information, including addresses, names, phone numbers, partial email addresses, and other information used for sales. **Credit card information was not exposed**, Nissan stated.

There’s no evidence that the leaked information has been used beyond its initial exposure, Nissan said, but warned customers that they could be the target of phishing attacks:

> “At this time, there has been no confirmation that the leaked information has been used for secondary purposes. However, we ask that you be extremely cautious of any suspicious phone calls or mail you receive.”

Nissan added that the servers used by Red Hat don’t store any other customer information, “so there is no risk of further data leaks.”

## How Vendors Are Becoming the Front Door for Data Breaches

The Nissan data breach reflects the growing risk of data hacks through third-party software, which often gives malicious actors an easier way to infiltrate larger organizations. Companies depend on outside vendors for things like customer management, payment processing, cloud storage, and analytics, and if even one of those services has a security gap, a significant amount of sensitive data can be exposed.

Hackers tend to go after these vendors because they may have weaker protections, outdated software, or too much access to internal systems. Once attackers get in, they can use shared logins, access tokens, or integrations to pull customer data directly or access core systems, turning third-party tools into a common and ongoing security risk.

Nissan acknowledged the need to strengthen security controls and oversight across third-party software and vendor systems that handle customer data.

> “Nissan takes this incident very seriously and will strengthen its monitoring of its subcontractors and take further steps to strengthen information security. We would like to once again offer our deepest apologies to our customers for any inconvenience caused.”

The Nissan data breach is not the only security issue Red Hat has been dealing with in recent months. In October, shortly after it detected the Nissan leak, the vendor confirmed that there had been unauthorized access to a GitLab instance its consulting team used for certain client engagements. Red Hat stated:

> “Our investigation, which is ongoing, found that an unauthorized third party had accessed and copied some data from this instance.”

A hacker group calling itself the *Crimson Collective* publicly claimed responsibility, alleging that it stole nearly 570GB of data, including content from over 28,000 internal repositories and 800 Customer Engagement Reports (CERs) that spanning from 2020 to 2025, according to an alert issued by Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (Finra).

The compromised GitLab instance held consulting engagement data, such as Red Hat’s project specifications, example code snippets, internal communications about consulting services and limited business contact information, Red Hat said.

The vendor implemented “additional hardening measures designed to help prevent further access and contain the issue.”

> “At this time, we have no reason to believe this security issue impacts any of our other Red Hat services or products, including our software supply chain or downloading Red Hat software from official channels.”

That incident was separate from a vulnerability that the vendor announced the previous day in its Openshift AI Service. That enabled a low-privileged attacker with access to an authenticated account to increase their privileges to a full cluster administrator, which would allow them to steal sensitive data, disrupt all services and take control of the underlying infrastructure. That could lead to a total breach of the platform and all applications hosted on it.

Nissan has also been exposed to other security breaches recently. Earlier this month, the INC Ransom hacking group claimed to have breached Japanese automotive supplier Yazaki Group and stolen 350GB of data, including confidential documents, client data, NDAs and more related to major automakers such as Nissan, BMW and Scania. And in August, Nissan Japan confirmed a data breach through unauthorized access to its Creative Box vehicle design subsidiary, which had been claimed by the Qilin Ransomware group.

The incidents underscore that safeguarding customer trust now depends as much on securing third-party partners and systems as it does on protecting internal infrastructure.

Nissan confirms a data breach affecting 21,000 customers, highlighting the rising threat of cyberattacks through third-party software.

Cook County Circuit Court Seeks Your Feedback: Participate in Their Customer Service Survey!

Summary:

Cook County Circuit Court is conducting a Customer Service Survey.

The survey aims to improve service quality and meet community needs.

Residents' feedback will directly influence court operations.

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Other Latest News

Woolworths NZ Strike Crisis: How Employee Discontent Shatters Christmas Customer Service

How STM Trucks & Machinery Delivers Unbeatable Customer Service Across NSW

Conway Corp Employees Shine: How They Won Prestigious Customer Service Excellence Awards

How a Major Acquisition is Transforming Fire and Safety Services on Long Island

Third-Party Breach Exposes 21,000 Nissan Customers: The Hidden Cybersecurity Threat in Customer Management Systems

Other Latest News

Woolworths NZ Strike Crisis: How Employee Discontent Shatters Christmas Customer Service

How STM Trucks & Machinery Delivers Unbeatable Customer Service Across NSW

Conway Corp Employees Shine: How They Won Prestigious Customer Service Excellence Awards

How a Major Acquisition is Transforming Fire and Safety Services on Long Island

Third-Party Breach Exposes 21,000 Nissan Customers: The Hidden Cybersecurity Threat in Customer Management Systems