Amy's Kitchen workers file labor complaint alleging they can't use bathroom or drink water at work

[Omaha Steve]

Marissa Higgins
Daily Kos Staff
Friday January 28, 2022 · 1:17 PM CST

If you’re a vegetarian or vegan living in the United States, I’m willing to bet you’re at least vaguely familiar with Amy’s Kitchen. Amy’s Kitchen produces tons of organic vegetarian foods, like soups and frozen meals. Amy’s also has several vegan drive-thru restaurants in California. It’s generally regarded as a progressive, forward-minded company, and has actually recently been recognized as a B Corp based on having a workplace geared toward social change in a positive way.

All of this said, NBC News reports that several factory workers at the company’s Santa Rosa plant recently filed a formal complaint against Amy’s Kitchen with the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA). The complaint alleges that workers are pushed in a relentless work environment, including not having access to drinkable water or a restroom during shifts.

The complaint, which was filed on Jan. 20 by worker Cecilia Luna Ojeda, alleges that workers have gotten hostility in response to bringing up safety concerns. In addition to not having time or access to the bathroom or clean drinking water, the complaint alleges that workers are not receiving appropriate training for operating machinery, that production lines use unsafe speeds, and that people were not appropriately accommodated after being hurt. The complaint also alleges that fire exits have been locked.

In speaking to local outlet KTVU, worker Ines Delaluz said Amy’s Kitchen pushes “so hard” and that workers want the company to practice what they preach and treat employees “like family.” Delaluz went on to say that she’s been to the doctor and hasn’t received “good news or good hope” that she’ll be like she was before. Delaluz described “a lot of pain in the back” and hands.

FULL story: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/1/28/2077336/-Amy-s-Kitchen-workers-file-labor-complaint-alleging-they-can-t-use-bathroom-or-drink-water-at-work