4 more fired by major automotive brand over snacks

NewsFord continues to crack down on alleged snack thefts at self-check kiosks inside its factories. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)APFord continues to crack down on alleged snack thefts at self-check kiosks inside its factories.The news comes after a veteran Ford electrician who was fired after being accused of stealing a $1.95 package of cookies is preparing to pursue legal action against the automaker and food service contractor Aramark.He later proved he paid for it.Now, at least four more Ford workers have reportedly been fired over alleged snack thefts.The Detroit Free Press reports Nick Nabozny, a nine-year employee at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant, was fired after he was accused of walking out with a bag of Doritos and a package of Ritz crackers with cheese.The 38-year-old Nabozny said he believed the self-checkout kiosk had processed his debit-card payment.According to the report, at least three other Michigan Assembly workers who were fired over alleged snack thefts.“I asked, ‘What did I steal?’” Nabozny told the newspaper.A union bargaining representative said, “‘They have you on camera in the marketplace stealing food,’” he continued. “I said, ‘I never stole anything in my life. Why would I jeopardize my livelihood and my family’s livelihood to steal food when I’m making good money?’”“It showed me talking to someone and then when I was done speaking, it shows me grabbing a Milky Way off the shelf, looking at the ingredients, and putting it back,” said Nabozny, who earned $40 an hour.Brendan Fluker, another employee, told the Free Press that workers have complained about the Aramark kiosks malfunctioning.The story went viral when Kurt Kromm, 60, was working an overnight shift in May when Kromm, who has diabetes, said he purchased a two-pack of Grandma’s Chocolate Chip Cookies after experiencing low blood sugar while working. He said a self-checkout kiosk operated by Aramark displayed an error during the transaction, but because the payment was not declined, he believed the purchase had been completed successfully.His attorney, Kentucky lawyer J. Will Huber, plans to send a demand letter to Ford and Aramark alleging the companies falsely accused Kromm of theft despite evidence showing the purchase had been completed, according to WKRC.According to Huber, Kromm’s payment records were available from the outset and demonstrated he had paid for the cookies. The attorney contends the companies’ actions damaged Kromm’s reputation and could support multiple legal claims.Mark Heim is a senior writer who provides sports, news and trending content. He co-hosts a daily sports radio show on WNSP-FM 105.5 in Mobile. Heim has been recognized with awards for his writing, headlines and...