FULL INTERVIEW: Impact Plastics employee speaks about flooding in Unicoi County

[@ArfArfBarkBark]

This man's horror of knowing his friends and coworkers could still be alive if the owner wasn't so greedy. The owner didn't even come into work to begin knowing all this and then decides to force his employees to stay. I hope the owner is charged with criminal negligence.

[@anamegoeshere]

BIG companies like this will always be "greedy" because $$$$$$

[@user-account-not-found]

Charged with murder IMO

[@TheCatherineCC]

The courts will never provide justice, it must be given out by the people.

[@runnergo1398]

To be fair, NO ONE knew the storm would be as bad as it was where they were. Everyone is to blame including the people who died. Bad decisions all around. I for one would have said screw it and stayed home or evacuated. But then I would just be Captain Hindsight.

[@lesleynelson2248]

This man's pain for the rest of his life - he thought this corporation cared about it's employees.

[@CogentConsult]

Impact Plastics is now complicit in the deaths of those 6 employees. You survivors need to sue that company for wrongful death.

[@user-mx9th2fx8r]

It is sad that is all they can do. money won't bring the people back. Not right.

[@tascrphs]

@@user-mx9th2fx8r It's the only recompense left. Not suing is NOT an option for the family of the survivors. Unfortunately, capitalist only feel pain when their capital is under threat of eviscerating.

[@Liberty6010and9]

​@@tascrphs We don't have capitalism in this Country. We have had that since the Free Trade agreements all started being made. We have Corporatism and an Oligarchy!

[@tascrphs]

@@Liberty6010and9 I would add cronyist - I get it that word doesn’t exist (yet), but if legal scamming is a real career field now that pays BIG and punishes little.

[@Liberty6010and9]

@@tascrphs Yes Croneism also. Very much so.

[@bigwhitehunter]

I heard from an employee that management told them that if they didn't show up for work thay day, that they would be fired!!!!!! Lawsuit

[@jamesh.maloyjr.6940]

Probably true. I've worked for people like that. Employee s just a warm body.

[@victoriadyke7081]

Sue the sht out of them.

[@TnTAdventuresPhotography]

@@jamesh.maloyjr.6940 i work in the business. This is the norm.

[@robbyjarvis2557]

@@bigwhitehunter this is completely true.. I'm the guy in the interview

[@jasonmiller2722]

Ide take this to federal court make that company disappear

[@tribecca626]

Impact Plastics is a multi million dollar company ! The owner, Gerald OConnor can be seen online kneeling next to his $100k plus Porsche Carrera with a vanity plate that reads, IMPACT. All the employees need to sue the hell out of him and make him pay !!!!!!!!

[@chuckseminski]

I don't think the law will allow Gerald to take his Porsche to prison with him.

[@sasquatch7234]

Good luck in the US, where the American worker has almost no rights. Much less in Tennessee.

[@XXxCHRISxXX]

Just like that sue? It was a terrible disaster and Noone knew what was really going to happen. I mean how could they have known the entire town would soon be underwater?

[@gjam5204]

​@@XXxCHRISxXXNo one knew? Really? You mean people living under a damn rock didn't know? This scenario was possible 3 damn days before this happened! 2 days later? SMH!!! Absolutely pathetic Management from this company! The company's response is beyond disgusting!

[@dustinglover9066]

@@XXxCHRISxXXoh I don’t know? Maybe the FUCKING WATER OVERTAKING THE ENTIRE AREA was a clue.

[@UhOhMatilda]

Robert, this took courage. Everyone watching can see your honesty and love for others shining through your pain. I'm sorry you had to endure something so horrible and that you're hurting. Thank you for being so brave.

[@Ab82903]

If someone ever thinks a company cares for them, I think you are confused.

[@user-mx9th2fx8r]

Yep, truckers are just a number; you fall, next.

[@VooDoo31818]

You are absolutely right

[@rahorin]

Exactly and this is how 99% of these place are. They pretend the place is "family" but it all is mind games.

[@joejones9520]

@@rahorin id rather live under a bridge scrounging for food than ever work for a company again, it makes me sick the horrible way i and so many, literally hundreds of nice people, were abused over the 9 yrs i wasted my life there

[@Deelystaniel]

The reverse is also true (principal-agent problem)

[@superfly1842]

Survivors guilt ain't easy brother. I hope you are able to find a healthy way to cope with it.

[@osnuelcorpus2737]

I'm thankful for this man's testimony and the courage to speak up. Our family is mourning the loss a beloved family member because of this accident and she will be dearly missed. Her kids will miss her and her community will miss her. I pray for all those affected by this tragedy and I hope that those at Impact Plastics who still have an opportunity to make things right have the decency to do so.

[@Toobenburbles]

Prayers and Blessings 👑💕

[@AllenKrell]

All the employees have the same, consistent story. Makes it clear who is telling the truth.

[@boristheamerican2938]

Its Tennessee, think it matters?

[@1108-g1q]

Notice that his statement is that "no one died on the property". Yeah bro because everybody FLOATED AWAY

[@Libbathegreat]

Just like the folks that died at the Mayfield KY candle factory and the Amazon warehouse that were hit by tornados in December 2021 after being told not to leave. Greedy bastards.

[@jonahmainwaring8311]

In a tornado, inside is the safest place to be. Flooding, not so much

[@BlackMage_01]

@@jonahmainwaring8311 Inside of a sturdy building is yes, but in a thin walled warehouse? That sheet metal siding becomes a blade. It's like hiding from Jason in a tool shed. Better chances out on the road, where you can get out of the way and keep moving. obviously. Since we know how that one turned out.

[@TnTAdventuresPhotography]

This is 100 percent normal for ALL manufacturers. While management sits at home all comfy during, icestorms, flooding, the employees are sacrificed. I've been a maintenance tech in this business for 30 years. Those HR and management puke can lie all they want. ANYONE in this business knows for a FACT they were forced to stay by threat of replacing you with a cheaper immigrant worker. Has anyone asked why were they there to start with? Because at the time, TN was under a declared state of emergency. The business owner, plant manager, HR, and supervisors ALL need to be held criminally and financially responsible. Someone needs to be in handcuffs on this one.

[@ScootinIsLife]

We were all treated this way over c-19 !

[@TnTAdventuresPhotography]

@@ScootinIsLife Yep, i lost my job because of it. Which worked out because I just went to a competitor. 3 years later, they begged me back and paid for me.

[@boristheamerican2938]

Bull, in a blue state they would have told the workers to stay home.

[@kimmm68904]

@@boristheamerican2938 I hate to break it to you, but there are massively greedy & inconsiderate people in blue states as well 🤣

[@TnTAdventuresPhotography]

@boristheamerican2938 Tennessee isn't a blue state and neither is mine. But, here is the reality of what you're saying in plastics. My company has 80000 employees in union and non union plants. If the union plants "stay home" enough. Corporate will move the tools to my plant and shut the union plant down. Just like they did with the UAW strike.

[@cindygingras4729]

Find a good laywer...you deserve justice

[@samanthacook9648]

Thank you for coming forward, Robert. The community supports you and truth.

[@midwaymonster30]

You NEVER ask permission to save your life. You do what YOU NEED TO DO. Such a horrible situation.

[@user-mx9th2fx8r]

No boss is worth that loyalty. Who the hell do they think they are? You are right. People get scared that they will lose their job, if they don't do what the boss says. You know what that boss can do. sad for him and the people. Boss, you are FIRED!

[@RobertaFierro-mc1ub]

Someone was AFRAID to make a Decision.​@@user-mx9th2fx8r

[@MarkT1700]

Yeah, fuck that. I'd just leave.

[@pierssegal5910]

Sadly in the US losing your job can be as good as losing your life.

[@BlackMage_01]

Unfortunately if you lose your job you could be putting yourself and your family at risk. What if you've got a kid with a serious condition that requires health insurance? you can't just go without coverage. The people that kept them there and called them into work that day should be tried and sued for the rest of their lives.

[@sharoncurtis7790]

There are some people who need to go to jail for a very long time!

[@johnkirk6255]

Sucks when companies pay a barrely living wage and can hold healthcare over your head forcing you to choose family care or risk life.

[@godslove7708]

Companies do this all the time. Its time workers across America tell these greedy companies to stick it.

[@sasquatch7234]

​@@godslove7708Unionize. It's the only way. While unions are notoriously corrupt, at least they give you some what of a voice.

[@sissy9393]

People in The USA are slaves.

[@gnostic268]

This is what happens when corporations were allowed to call themselves "people". Amazon did this to their employees in Kentucky when a massive tornado struck their building a couple of years ago before Christmas

[@piccalillipit9211]

@@godslove7708 Yet working people are calling the port workers greedy for demanding 50% pay rise and better safety

[@Dgundam08]

Impact Plastics and the owner Gerald O'Connor killed his workers. He forced them to work under the premise they'd get fired for job abandonment Gerald O'Connor directed his managerial staff to force workers to stay as an entire city was flooding. Gerald O'Connor actions led to the deaths of workers, many of the dead didn't speak english. Gerald O'Connor and his managerial staff told workers they were monitoring the situation and would allow them to leave if it got dangerous. Gerald O'Connor was monitoring the situation from home when he decided, only after the parking lot was flooded that employees can leave. Gerald O'Connor was in the comfort of his home and away from danger as his work force was drowning. Both Gerald O'Connor and Impact Plastics are putting more effort into editing google reviews then they did keeping workers alive.

[@TheCatherineCC]

And there is only one way Gerald O'Conner will face any actual justice. It's not through the courts.

[@JoeBlow-Knoxbaddrivers]

@@TheCatherineCC Its a small town nothing will happen other then he will get ALOT of federal help,free loans,free checks.

[@JoeBlow-Knoxbaddrivers]

@@myrnawashington9057 He is going to jail.

[@mikearwood5100]

This is heartbreaking. It will be difficult for him to overcome his trauma but the survivors guilt can be dangerous without some professional help. Most of all he needs your prayers

[@toddallen7436]

These factories here treat us like disposable assets and it's been going on a long time and it's sad it takes something like this to expose their disgusting practices.

[@bonniemitchell5841]

When the parking lot is filled with water just keep those machines running.$$$ . Too bad the company didn’t care. people are more important than the bottom line.

[@JoeandAngie]

Morrill Motors and Industrial Garment were notorious.

[@ralphwillis1126]

So you don't have any idea how to survive? That's a you problem.

[@ralphwillis1126]

​@@bonniemitchell5841No those idiots are too stupid to save themselves.

[@toddallen7436]

@ralphwillis1126 I would never jeopardize my life over any job, that's why I have my own business, but I also wouldn't put a dollar above the safety of one of my employees either. So as long as my kids are fed and my lights are on, I don't mind to lose a day on the job. I also understand that large operation loses way more in a day off but look at the losses from this that no amount of money or Porsches will ever buy back.

[@johncline5502]

The families of the people that died were on the local news. They said they workers called their families worried asking about weather and they said they were told that if they left they were fired.. most were Mexican workers that perished...

[@user-mx9th2fx8r]

The race of the workers does not matter; human beings perished.

[@BlueAgaveStudios]

@@user-mx9th2fx8r Too bad that's faaaaaar from the truth.

[@agoogo5026]

​@@user-mx9th2fx8r, it matters

[@tascrphs]

Mexicans in Tennessee. Hmmm, so it's not only the BLUE states that have love cheap labor.

[@kristengates261]

I’m in tears… this is horrific 😢

[@ScottiveNatish]

Robert, I am so thankful you were rescued. You will impact this world. Grace and peace to you. Much love ❤️

[@tangoindiamike9189]

File for disability due to PTSD. File for workmen's comp due to the workplace injury. When that runs out, file for unemployment benefits. Meanwhile, file a lawsuit.

[@emilykatt7648]

TN quietly gutted their workmen’s comp laws a couple years back. Gave ALL the power to the companies. It’s a crime.

[@sasquatch7234]

​@emilykatt7648 Yet Tennesseans will continue to vote for people who are in bed with these corporations.

[@ChefZed989]

@@emilykatt7648 a heavily red state gutting the rights and benefits of its population!? Im sooooooooo shocked 😑

[@BlackMage_01]

@@emilykatt7648 Time to protest and shut everything down until it's made right. That's obscene.

[@Keatonknights-mb7hp]

Absolutely..this is horrible

[@emustang89able]

When a company puts the bottom line (profits), before the welfare of it own workers, it is corrupt and morally bankrupt. They should be put out of business and the owner investigated!

[@kingsquid1000]

When a company puts the bottom line (profits), before the welfare of it own workers, it is corrupt and morally bankrupt No that's literally capitalism. Shareholders have sued companies for doing the right thing and putting people above profits and won. Shareholders (and capitalism) values money above peoples lives, the health of the planet, literally anything. For $2 they'd beat their own grandmas with a golf club.

[@boristheamerican2938]

They wont be, you republicans will forget about it before breakfast tomorrow.

[@thetasworld]

Which company puts the welfare of employees over profit. You people are delusional...

[@JoeBlow-Knoxbaddrivers]

We are with you Robert!

[@birdie9196]

Robert, I’m so sorry for the loss of your work family members. My thoughts and prayers are with you ♥️🙏🏻

[@wchrisbird]

This is absolutely horrible. I hope the survivors and families of the ones lost sue that company into bankruptcy

[@JenniferWaite63]

This is so heartbreaking. My God, those poor people, Robert, I'm sorry you went through that. Thank you for speaking out. You are a good man.

[@tylerkaytipton]

Speak with Jacob Ingram in Erwin Tn. He was an employee of Impact and survivor of the flood. His story aligns as well.

[@brianl9579]

Damn. That is really heartbreaking…

[@craiglist483]

We have to tune into that part of ourselves that feels the dreaded outcome of money over life. One is replaceable one is not. One winter up north the weather report was calling for rough travel by noon. The school district still picked up the kids (not mine) they got to school took attendance and then started bringing kids home. Some kind of funding for attempting to open school. It took the bus drivers 3x the usual amount of time to get kids home. Life is more precious than anything!

[@elisabethannwexler4728]

This is horrible & heartbreaking. This man's testimony & honesty is something everyone needs to hear. If the company owners & managers knew that there was a serious flooding situation employees should have been told to leave immediately. Employees died needlessly. This is irresponsible & unacceptable..

[@intothemystic3374]

My heart goes out this guy, for the trauma he endured, the loss of good friends, the hurt he is dealing with. I really hope they can find an atty pro bono to sue the owner.

[@amandan89719]

Thank you for speaking out and not letting fear or greed keep you quiet! Those that didn't survive deserve that much at least! Prayers for everyone of you all!

[@tommygowan3591]

Your are just a number to any company. This man is speaking from deep down in his heart and yes they all need to file a lawsuit against this company. They would have fired me because no one is gonna tell me when I can leave a place when my life is in danger

[@j.wesulmandkantskonundrum3273]

Just tragic beyond words and I can't express how jarring it is to hear something like this transpiring, in the 21st century. Those workers in the factory were denied the most basic dignity of respect as fellow humans being, refused an evacuation from a site clearly about to flood (with a threat to their livelihoods) -- it's just unconscionable. Thanks for doing this, Robert -- it's clear how much you were moved by this and poured out your heart and soul to strangers about what happened, and what absolutely should not have happened.

[@colemanelectric]

Coleman Electric stands with our community and those wronged by large companies that do not care about their people. We will help in any way we can hold Impact Plastics accountable for putting profits over people.

[@janiceprice7403]

I’m so very sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to all suffering from this devastating situation.

[@kymbartley8104]

Oh my god... my heart goes out to this guy. I'm glad you're alive Robert. Speak up!

[@joyfullone3968]

Robert I am very sorry that this happened to you it must have been horrifically frightening.

[@007mia7]

If this man is reading this, I’m so sorry. Are you guys raising funds for the employees? I would like to donate. God bless you.

[@AngelaBrooks-w1j]

I'm so sorry Robert, to you and all who were trapped. I hope you all sue that factory and never have to work again. I'm so sorry you all had to go through that. God bless you all!!

[@elysian2b]

Heard this on Monday from a woman whose husband knew about the situation. I hope the families of the deceased can take this company to court and make them pay for their negligence and cruelty.

[@reneetatum9361]

I’ve been to Erwin numerous times and have love it. I am so sorry for the loss of your Work family. I just can’t imagine. We will keep you in our prayers.

[@MikeMcAuliffe-g2f]

Thank you for your statement.

[@ShariHoldal]

Its all about GREED

[@tomf9292]

This whole country is built on GREED

[@drwho5437]

It's a Harris American thing.

[@kpf546]

​@@drwho5437Um, are you serious? GOP = Greed is Our Purpose

[@WhoopsADaisy]

​@@drwho5437 She's always been pro-union and speaks consistently about workers rights. This is about these lost workers and this man's traumatic experience. Not politics.

[@drwho5437]

@@kpf546 Explains why all the billionaires are Democrats. Kinda funny how the word Democrat is becoming slang for dumb. The election this year is an IQ test and I fear we may fail as a nation. I can't imagine 4 more years of this. Soon every large city will be just like Chicago and NY. Cities giving housing and free things to illegal immigrants while the city's citizens suffer. Even after being brought to public attention they continue to destroy America from within.

[@robbyjarvis2557]

Thank you all for your prayers

[@ambitionsofahustla]

Stay strong brother. Your community is behind you 🙏🏽

[@judithedwards9228]

Robert, I am praying for you and all the people at Impact and your families. I live in Kentucky now but I lived most of my life in Erwin.. Brother, YOUR LIFE MATTERS! Yard still here for a purpose! I honor you for speaking up. You did such a good job of explaining what happened. I know it took courage. It may be that God will lead you to be a spokesman and leader in this tragedy. Someone like you with a good wise mind is needed to lead. I pray that you will find the right and honest legal counsel. Clearly you will need godly counsel. I admire you so much for your courage in speaking up. God bless you! I will keep you in my prayers.

[@jenniferwhitehead2620]

Stay strong and prayers are sent from Middle Tennessee. My heart just breaks for you all.

[@Toobenburbles]

Just know sweet man that there is blood on the hands of everyone complicit in the decisions and inane threat on that day that allowed this unnecessary tragedy to happen. Thank you for coming forward to expose the truth. I hope they like it 🔥. Prayers and Blessings for you and your's and all the victims families impacted by greedy scum bags.

[@angeladixon6215]

I am so sorry you and all the others went through this. I hope they are offering everyone mental health supports after this traumatic and devastating event. Praying for you all.

[@CasaDenee]

So heartbreaking. 💔 Sending so much love to this man, and his family and all the families of the deceased. Shame on this company.

[@kenhughes4715]

My heart goes out to this guy.

[@denisestarr2314]

Companies have no right to put us in danger .

[@lc3853]

You never had a job? That's what you're paid for.

[@capitalisa]

@lc3853 You need to get off the internet.

[@thetasworld]

​@@lc3853you are the problem

[@qwipperty]

That company is a monster. They outright murdered those workers.

[@Wayzor_]

That company better lawyer up.

[@anitaitisanita8549]

American. The whole vast region, many states were caught badly in this powerful event. Countless weather reporters warning us all and impact hit on time. Lawyer up against who, God?

[@parler8698]

The company should get a settlement offer ready.

[@TnTAdventuresPhotography]

Oh they will lawyer up and try their best to cheat the families out of settlements.

[@Nimesay1]

They are going get sued so bad.

[@jodydavis6238]

@@Wayzor_ I believe it is a criminal and civil matter since the company was aware of the danger

[@norxgirl1]

Heartbroken for you....stay safe....Impact probably won't like you telling the truth....so sorry you lost so many coworkers......sounds like Impact was more about profits over people ....please keep IJ - Institute of Justice in mind if Impact continues to act inappropriately.....

[@Blueyes7791]

My friends ex boyfriend worked there about 10 yrs ago CHAD it snowed like ice under it and his mustang wouldn't go anywhere they told him if he was 30 mins late he was fired 😢 my mom n dad worked at a factory they had to be there no matter what also THE RIVER CAME fast I've lived here all my life NEVER WOULD I THOUGHT OUR RIVER COULD DO THIS .. I JUST HOPE N A TIME OUR LAND LOOKS LIKE A WAR ZONE WE CAN BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER ❤GOD BLESS US ALL

[@MWMWMWMWMWMWMWMWWWMMMWMWMWMMWM]

Senior Management: "We told them they could clock out and swim home."

[@KatelynN1cole]

Absolutely heartbreaking. I’m so sorry for the loss of your work family. I can’t imagine the pain you’re feeling.

[@ritapearl-im3wv]

Goodness. My heart goes out to this man. ❤🎉😢

[@t0xictom93]

Watching a grown man cry over people he just works with breaks my heart bro impact need to take responsibility for killing the innocent people

[@anguswrench]

put Gerald O'Connor in prison. full stop.

[@SClark-777]

I cry every time I read something about this. SHAME on this company & all those involved in this. Yes, they should be sued, never be allowed to open again, & jail time. God bless all those people that died, their families, & all those that had to witness this tragic event. ❤💚🙏🙏🙏

[@nickielawson316]

I work for the county in Kingsport, they let us go early and we werent even in eminent danger. Prayers for the families that lost loved ones.

[@awaitingSaint777]

Big hugs. Deepest condolences for the losses of your co workers. Please sue Impact plastics. They should be held criminally liable as well.

[@kathrynmansfield4134]

Heartbreaking 💔

[@7thswansong152]

I'm so very sorry. It's the very worst heartbreak to watch the evil some people are capable of.

[@BrandyMoody-f7u]

Prayers 🙏 for everyone involved 🙏 ❤️ 💙 ♥️ 🙌

[@UrbanNaturalist]

Breaks my heart to see these people being exploited to this degree. For god sakes, can we just take one f***n day off from making plastic? So tragic, so sorry Robert.

[@Lsd5688]

Its hard watching a grown man cry this owner needs to be charged and hopefully the family sue him for everything he has

[@HENRIK40k]

I hope they don't settle outside of court and sue them for every thing.

[@allthecakeyum]

Not just compensation (how the hell do you compensate the unnecessary traumatic loss of family/colleagues) they also need to receive significant time in prison.

[@charlottewatkins7455]

I am so sorry for your loss, pain & what you are experiencing. I can’t imagine. 😢

[@donnanorton4092]

This should not have happened 😢 my heart goes out to all the families

[@kdawson020279]

This is the most justified anger and sorrow I have seen in a while. The CEO releasing the worst apology since the ukuleke apology about being inappropriate with underage people is just insult to iniury.

[@markfore6415]

I'm sorry to hear this and I hope that the 6 people that was lost that there familys puts a lawsuit on that company and I mean a big lawsuit because that is flat out greed by the company no one should have been there to begin with

[@luannestrickland4199]

I’m so sorry you suffered such an emotional and life altering experience. Condolences to the families.

[@terria4698]

To the naysayers on here ("how were they to know it would flood!") : Google Erwin, TN and look at it on the map. The ONLY exit road, spoken of by the survivor, is less than 300 feet from the edge of the river. Also (I've driven by there several times) the plant sits on a freaking FLOOD PLAIN. It sits below I-26. That creates a berm that would not allow water to roll back to its source. I HATE these people who flap their mouths without thought. To the survivors and victims of Impact Plastics greed and lack of care for its employees, words are small, but I've been spreading this video and the news links far and wide. It's what needs to be done so these people can be respected and news of their loss and WHY they suffered can be known.

[@jodydavis6238]

@@terria4698 I agree. the company is responsible for providing a safe working environment by law. Other companies in the area released their employees earlier in the day.

[@Toobenburbles]

Right on 🙌🏽

[@theathenachannel88]

Prayers prayers prayers sending love ♥️

[@KelieTisdale]

Prayers for everyone involved!! 🙏🕊

[@kwi5331]

Thanks!

[@juliabartkus7325]

I've never been more happy I quit that job.

[@tedm4932]

What was wrong there ?

[@dianejacobson9367]

Oh. Bless him. He’s struggling big time. I am so very very Sorry.

[@katherineaustin2477]

My heart breaks for this man

[@wesleyseal9923]

This company needs to be responsible

[@HaitianPride1997]

Just heart wrenching

[@Helfirehydratrans]

Where is the society need to figure out a way to punish these companies for the negligence and greed

[@nancyhoward1917]

HERO in 4 by 4 . Thank you so much 🙏🙏.

[@dalebogucki]

What in the fuck? I can’t believe they had people working! That company needs to pay for everyone. They should get everything they need.

[@robincostner5707]

I'm so sorry Sir!😔

[@gramsci44]

WCYB should have a story on its website from the workers’ perspective. The only thing I see there is a copy and paste of the Impact Plastics company’s press release.

[@sasquatch7234]

Of course. No precious news company is going to rock the boat of greedy local businesses. We have seen this time and time again.

[@IceKoldKilla]

I'd refuse to go to work and threaten to sue.

[@freedomrings.0007]

This should never had happened. The business should absolutely be hed accountable for this. These people shouldn't have to sue. Its should just be automatic. 😢

[@leannmartin9825]

My heart goes out to this man who is now traumatized for the rest of his life, the other survivors and families of the lost loved ones!!! Greed of money is the root of all evil and corruption!!! What a shame......

[@mattwhisnant5926]

Greed. Disregard for human life. Criminal negligence. Manslaughter. Look up the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911. That’s what this was.

[@diggerduckaussie6834]

Hugs from Australia, what a stupid boss, greed has killed so many people's lives, now this, just horrible.

[@moneystrategiesforlife]

Blatantly obvious there was no policy in place for senior management at the plant to monitor weather conditions for the safety of their employees (this storm or otherwise). No policy in place how/actions to be taken or timing to respond. No policies on sheltering in place or how to evacuate in a weather emergency even. Just no policies period. This is so often the norm across industries in America.

[@JoeBlow-Knoxbaddrivers]

It all over the South esp. this little small towns were its the only place to work.

[@moneystrategiesforlife]

@@JoeBlow-Knoxbaddrivers I understand that employees are afraid they will lose their job if they just leave and there is not another job to replace it. I understand that pressure. At the same time a company can't legally blow off the safety of their employees particularly a safety issue that puts them at risk of losing their life - be it a line employee or the most senior manager on site.

[@JoeBlow-Knoxbaddrivers]

@@moneystrategiesforlife He is going to jail.

[@dougjenks6954]

Greed is the reason! District attorney should find charges? See if it has any morals

[@KyleKalevra]

Production is more important than lives.

[@Phant0m272-b]

According to corporations, apparently.

[@joseesparza9415]

Life in prison for the owner if not the community needs to handle some business

[@mrmusickhimself]

I am so sorry brother. I'm sorry that they threatened your life AND your job due to greed. Jerry, Kamil, that lady? They can all go to hell. You're the man Robert, you got a lot of bravery telling your story. Knowing the way this company is, I guarantee they attempt to sue you for some trumped up charge. FIGHT LIKE HELL, we got you.

[@kimmm68904]

Oh my God, this is horrible! Six people!! this guy is seriously traumatized. I hope he has someone to help him process this.

[@dawngraham2697]

The whole area was under a flash flood warning, correct? The national weather service noted catastrophic flooding, correct? So why was anyone forced to stay in the building until it was too late?

[@Valleybeautiful]

I'm relatively new to TN, been here 2 1/2 years. there is so much to love and admire about this area and the people here. Unfortunately, in our experience, a lot of the employers here are downright horrible. they treat employees like garbage. very sad that it has to be that way in an otherwise wonderful state that has so much to offer

[@anthonyrowland9072]

It's a southern right to work anti union state that still has slavey and sharcroppery vibes towards labor.

[@TheJanet4321]

What happened to these people is absolutely terrible. Capitalism at it's worst. Prioritizing money over the safety of their employees. SHAME SHAME SHAME.

[@ParkerQualityControl]

🌽⚾️

[@angelisa368]

Glad these employees are speaking out! They all need to sue that company and take every last cent!