Former Amy’s Kitchen Employees Allege Mistreatment at San Jose Factory | Eater
"Workers said the company’s early message of being “like family” contrasted with a workplace they describe as marked by sexual harassment, favoritism, and inadequate HR responses. Employees recounted a supervisor who socialized with younger women and was allegedly observed touching himself, a manager who massaged a woman’s shoulders after she objected, and incidents in which complainants felt blamed or were put on the spot by HR. Staff also reported unsafe conditions and retaliatory practices: a worker burned by a malfunctioning oven who was mocked, denial of bathroom breaks, a points-based attendance system that can lead to firing at 15 points, machines sped up to uncomfortable speeds that caused pain and injuries, and a domestic-violence episode that went unaddressed. As employees organized with Unite Here Local 19 and filed NLRB complaints alleging surveillance, discipline, and intimidation related to union activity, the company abruptly announced the facility’s closure — affecting about 300 workers — a move workers and organizers view as retaliatory. Unions and allied groups have rallied, demanded severance, health care, recall rights, and encouraged a consumer boycott until management meets with them to resolve these concerns." - Jaya Saxena