The Mayfield Consumer Products’ candle factory's labor practices and managerial decisions come under scrutiny after a monstrous tornado tore through the building last week, killing 8 workers and injuring many more.
MAYFIELD, Ky. — Prison inmates, formerly incarcerated people and those simply out of luck were all welcomed at the Mayfield Consumer Products’ candle factory — a last-resort job for many in the unemployment line, several employees said.
A lawsuit filed Wednesday on behalf of some of the workers alleges the company showed “flagrant indifference” to them on the night of the tornado. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages. “It’s a place for the have-nots,” said Mark Saxton, 37, who has worked for the company on nine occasions. “If you can’t get a job nowhere, you can get a job at the candle [factory]. I can quit on a Tuesday and come back the next week. They take whoever. If you apply, you’re starting that day.”
MaKayla Emery, 21, had been working at the factory through a pretrial diversion program after being arrested for stealing a gun. In 2020, the company reported 14 injuries, or about 4.2 per 100 full-time employees. None of the injuries were fatal. Caudill said he was prepared to represent eight to 10 more workers who claim they were fired from the company for reasons including being pregnant and epileptic.Mayfield Consumer Products officials have previously told NBC News that they offer flexible hours, allowing workers to show up and/or leave without penalty anytime they want.
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