‘Hershey Prison:’ Workers Who Make Reese’s Expose Brutal Factory Conditions
Hershey workers have been forced to work 70+ days straight, receive constant forced overtime, and are punished for time off. Now they're unionizing.
Over 70+ consecutive days worked. 5 days off out of 365 in a year. That’s what life is like for the workers who produce Reese’s cups, Almond Joys, and Oh Henry! candy bars.
At the Stuarts Draft, Virginia plant, workers filed for a union election in January. The action follows the termination of workers due to union activity. Workers say they’re forced to work overtime and punished when they try to take time off. They were scolded for speaking about unions on the factory floor.
Workers are represented by BCTGM International. Last year, BCTGM International represented Kellogg’s and Frito Lay workers in their respective strikes. They also represent Jon Donaire cake bakers for Baskin Robbins and Coldstone Creamery in their current strike.
Ballots are set to be counted on March 24.
