The other side of discrimination
May 26, 2008 by chrisgraham
The Top Story by Chris Graham
freepress2@ntelos.net
Stanley Smith is known to his friends as Bubba, and he has a lot of friends - white, black, Latino. He’s like a lot of us in that respect.
He’s also a little-league baseball and softball coach, and counts among his players kids of a wide variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Again, nothing out of the ordinary there.
That’s just how most of live in the post-civil rights era America.
We don’t even think about what race our friends and colleagues are.
We might be a generation or two away from race being off the list of divisive social issues, but that doesn’t mean that we’re at each others’ throats in the here and now.
Smith, for reasons you will soon see, is more in touch with race and ethnicity than he ever has been in his life.
“It’s not fair. It’s not right. It’s not fair or right for someone to be fired for something definitely that they didn’t do,” said Smith, who was fired from his job at the Hershey Chocolate of Virginia plant in Stuarts Draft after an unusual set of circumstances that began early the morning of May 2 with the discovery of a piece of tape hanging from the ceiling in a work area at the plant.
An African American coworker said the tape resembled a noose to her, and a manager soon called in Smith and several other coworkers to try to figure out if the tape was something more. Three employees, including Smith, were suspended from work without pay, and Smith was later fired despite his consistent protestations of innocence and his repeated insistence that he has no knowledge of how the tape ended up where it was and whether it was intended as some sort of racial threat.
The incident is the talk of the Hershey plant, according to several employees who spoke with The Augusta Free Press on the condition that their names and identities not be used.
“Honestly, I can’t figure out why they did what they did. I feel like they just picked somebody out so they could say they did something about it,” said a coworker who was also called in for questioning about the tape, and who told me that managers have warned employees not to talk to members of the news media at the risk of losing their jobs.
“Everybody there’s talking about it. And they’re asking why he was fired for it,” a second Hershey employee told me. “It’s a bunch of (BS). They just needed a fall guy. And he’s the fall guy. He didn’t have anything to do with it. None of them had anything to do with it. It’s (BS) that he got fired over something like this. And they know it.”
For the record, I contacted Hershey to get the company’s side of the story, and ended up talking with a company spokesman based at the Hershey, Pa., corporate headquarters, Kirk Seville.
“As a matter of policy, we do not comment on personnel issues, so there is no information that I can give you on this specific case,” Seville told me in a brief phone conversation last week.
“In general, I can tell you that we do take issues of safety and security very seriously, and we do not tolerate discrimination of any kind in the workplace,” Seville said.
Now back to Smith, who came forward with his story first and foremost because he wants to clear his name publicly. “I feel like my name is already out there. People already know what happened. They’re already talking about it all over the plant. People have been asking me about it at ballgames. And the thing is, the company is basically telling me that I’m lying when they don’t know what happened themselves. They don’t have any hard evidence. I mean, if somebody had actually seen me doing something like that, number one, I wouldn’t be doing all this. I would lay my head down in shame. I be ashamed of myself for doing something like that,” Smith said.
A second motivation for Smith to come forward is to raise issue with what he is calling “reverse discrimination” in the case. I discussed that topic with Norfolk attorney Raymond Hogge, who has made a name for himself over the past 20 years working for the most part on behalf of companies in the employment-discrimination area, and thus turned heads when he took on the case of a white employee in the Old Dominion University Police Department who claimed to be the victim of racial discrimination at the hands of African American employees in the majority-African American department.
A federal court entered a $200,000 judgment last month against the police department in favor of Hogge’s client, Brett Birkmeyer, over his wrongful termination from the department.
“I strongly believe that everyone should be treated equally without regard to their race, and that the workplace should be color-blind. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed in an effort to achieve those goals, and has been remarkably effective protecting black employees from race discrimination. In some instances, however, it has led to ‘reverse discrimination’ against white employees,” Hogge wrote in an e-mail to the AFP.
What we call “reverse discrimination” can occur when a company, “in response to a white employee’s claim of race discrimination, fears that investigating or taking disciplinary action against black employees will lead those black employees to assert their own claims of discrimination, and the organization therefore turns a blind eye to the rights of the white employees,” Hogge wrote. It can also occur, according to Hogge, when “in order to avoid liability under Title VII, a company must show that it took prompt and effective remedial measures to remedy any discriminatory acts by its employees, and companies, in order to be able to prove they did so, look for sacrificial lambs.”
“I cannot say whether the white employee who is the subject of your story was fired for this reason, but the facts you shared with me are consistent with that possibility,” Hogge wrote. “If he was fired for that reason, then the question becomes whether Hershey, when confronted with complaints by white employees complaining of a potentially racially motivated incident, fires black employees who, based upon similar evidence (or lack thereof), the company believes has not been sufficiently forthcoming with information relevant to its investigation.
“In other words, if the races of the individuals involved were switched, would Hershey still have fired the employee? If not, then the company may be discriminating against white employees on the basis of race in its response to race-discrimination claims, and may have discriminated against the white employee who is the subject of your article,” Hogge wrote.
The Birkmeyer case made headlines in part because these kinds of cases involving white employees claiming to be victims of discrimination are rare. “The number of them is quite small compared to the vast number of discrimination cases asserted by minorities and women,” Hogge wrote.
“Reverse-discrimination cases, however, seem to be coming up with increasing frequency,” according to Hogge. “This may be due, at least in part, to the fact that white employees are coming to realize that, in fact, there really is not such a thing as ‘reverse’ discrimination - discrimination is discrimination, regardless of whether the victim is black or white, and white employees have just as much right to complain of discrimination against them as do minority employees. It may also be due, at least in part, to the cumulative frustration of white employees who feel that their employers pander to the demands of minorities instead of maintaining a truly color-blind workplace.”
Smith feels those frustrations. He has been out of work for going on a month now, and he has bills to pay, and three children - Logan, 13, Deryck, 13, and Lacey, 11 - to take care of.
“I’m going to be working by next week,” he told me in a conversation that we had in his home late last week. “I’m not going to be out of work long enough to get an unemployment check. That’s just not me. I work. I pay my bills.”
Going public with his story isn’t about getting his job back at Hershey. “I wouldn’t want to go back there. It would be too hard. I’d be walking on eggshells,” Smith said. “I think they’d be looking for any excuse they could to get rid of me. This isn’t about going back there. It’s about doing what’s right. And this isn’t right.”
Dear Chris,
I wanted to let you know how much we appreciate your assistance in bringing attention to my husbands plight…or I should say,my family’s plight,since this entire event has affected us all.I hope that if anything comes out of this,that at least we will have gotten my husbands side of the story out and maybe we have helped someone else stand up for what is fair and just. I also wanted to reiterate once again,that discrimination in any fashion,wheither it be against blacks,latinos or whites is simply wrong,and no one should be subject to it.There are thousands of people out there that go to school or work everyday that fear for their safety due to racism issues.No one should exploit such an important cause to further their own advancements.
And to reply to one issue in your article concerning if the tables were turned would anyone have suffered any consequences…well,the term “white trash” was scrolled on a bathroom wall at Hershey Chocolate just last week,and to this date,NO ONE has been suspended or terminated, or even investigated for that matter.So, it seems your question has been answered.
I encourage anyone, regardless of race or sex, if you feel that you have discriminated against; please come forward.Fight to clear your name.Take a stand, because if you don’t stand for what is right, you will fall for what is wrong.
If it takes the next 20 years of my life, to heal the wounds that Hershey Chocolate has placed on the hearts of my family and friends,I will do so without reservation or hesitation.
Again, a heart felt thanks from our family,
Stanley,Kimberly,Logan,Deryck and Lacey Smith
i believe that Stanley was also let -go from his job so that Hershey’s Chocolate could in a sense ’satisfy’ this african-american employee. they did question several employees, all of which gave testiment of her personality and character which had crossed many employees. even fellow african-americans. this had nothing to do with her race-only the power and control of using her race as her own protection. which in this case she used in her favor.
will there be further investigation on this incident? would like for Stanley to continue to stand up for what is right. he was given the position as a “sacrificial lamb”. question is what did Hershey’s Chocolate have that envoked their decision? Seems that everyone there is upset that he was terminated-in total disbelief that he could have done this. I think Hershey’s Chocolate should have some responsibility in the rights of self-defense for the innocent.
there has been several incidents at Hershey’s Chocolate since Stanley has been terminated. even while he was under suspension during the investigation. one being-a noose was recovered and white trash was written on the bathroom walls of the females restroom. not once did Hershey Chocolate take responsibility in informing the female employee who returned to work that obvious threats were made to her. this time however, they would have had to question the african-american female-didn’t happen. even though allegations were made that she had written them. who protects them from her retaliatory actions?
stanley-we are all awaiting justice be done for you. and all the damage that this incident has caused for you. noone should be terminated under these circumstances without total evidence as to the wrong doing of someone else-if this tape had even been hung purposely.to my understanding it had went completely into transformation of another shape by the time management had seen it the following evening-how did that happen? why was that situation not followed thru on? and why were no “pictures” of this supposed “noose-looking” tape not taken for such an exteme serious incident? to my understanding noone even knew what she was making all the drama over being that all in the area were several feet away, until management fill-in personnel arrived. she was the only person who touched the tape before then. is it possible that she had opportunity to shape it herself?
why is this fellow african-american not been under investigation for the writings on the bathroom walls of “white- trash”. i believe that speaks for itself as to who done that with probable cause and motive. she is still in her probationary time frame also and Hershey’s Chocolate can just as easily terminate her under the “at-will” state of her employment. Does HersheyS Chocolate not show concern enough over the protection of their “caucasion” employees? or would it be easier for them to just let it disappear like they done you?
I worked with Stanley at PGI for several years,I saw him come in as a temporary and move through the ranks to become team captain in 4 short years.He didn’t rise to that position by being racist or hateful towards anyone.He managed people of many backgrounds and was considered a friend to all.We greatly miss him here, and he has the support of all employees here at PGI.And, yes ,even from black employees,because we firmly believe that Stanley would never do something like this.He was so excited about the job offer he had with Hershey Chocolate and would have never put himself or his family’s future in jeopardy.I sincerely hope that he and his wife doesn’t give up this fight.Stanley,if you are reading this…we are all standing behind you and we are praying that Hershey’s will do the right thing.
Bubba coaches our son and our boys have been best friends since kindergarten.We also lived a block away from the Smith’s for over 4 years.We consider them to be one of the most trusted and well respected couples in this community.We have seen Bubba work 7 days a week (graveyard) and still manage 3 ball teams of this areas youths.We have personally seen the devastation that this event has had on their family.I had visited their home within hours of the termination call and found Kim in tears and in bed, crying uncontrollably.Was she concerned with their financial loss?Absolutely.But was even more upset over the kids and parents on their baseball and softball teams finding out this allegations.She kept saying “What if my kids think he really did this and stop playing with us?” I am so ashamed of Hershey’s chocolate. That they would cause such a wonderful family such hardship,because they lack they character and fortitude to stand up for our friend. They acted irresponsibly in order to save them from a possible discrimination suit from the alledged victim,but what is so ironic, they now have another one. I heard a recorded conversation from the plant manager of Hershey Chocolate, say “We simply don’t believe you came forth with any information that would help us.We found your story,unbelievable.” They wrecked someones life with a ‘we think’??????Well, I think, no I know, for an absolute fact that our friend had no knowledge of this incident and we hope that Hershey Chocolate will be found liable and will compensate the Smith’s for all their losses.Our family have began our own personal boycott of all Hershey products and are spreading this same concept throughout this community until justice is served.SHAME ON YOU HERSHEY CHOCOLATE!!!!!!
I work at Hershey Chocolate and I can only say that this entire mess is uncalled for.Bubba was a good worker and a nice guy.Always smiling and great to be around.This so called lady that made these accusations towards him and the other 2 is using this incident to her advantage.She hasn’t been happy here since she was hired and she wants to get out of here with some change in her pocket,so she cried discrimination.This piece of tape is a joke.It looked nothing like a noose.Only the 3 white people who were in the area was suspended for it.This area has at least 100 people travel through it daily.I am disappointed that a company that I have been so proud to work for has done such a terrible thing to such a great person.I have seen Bubba come to work exhausted and yawning from only having a couple hours of sleep because he coaches kids ball.But he never complained.Bubba call me….I will do anything I have to in order to help you and your family out.I agree with the last comment made….shame on Hershey’s.Iam not such a proud employee at this point.And I can confirm the white trash on the bathroom wall.Managers cleaned it so we wouldn’t see it.And NOBODY has been suspended for it.And we all know who did it.She walks around here like she owns the place,and in a way, she does.They gave her the power to terminate a good worker just to keep her here, who doesn’t work at all.Its disgusting.Even the other black people who work here, dislikes her.They too know that Bubba wouldn’t do such a thing.If you ask me she did it herself.and many others feel the same way.
bubba,i sent this everyone i know and were all gonna make comments on here to protest what they did to you.i hope they see it and if costs me job,oh well.anything i can do to help you out man let me know.as for all of this its a bunch of made up crap to save face.they had to get rid of somebody,so the new guy was the easiest target.we all know you didnt this,another noose was found after you left,who did that?who wrote white trash on the wall?this woman trying to turn our plant into some kind of war zone and they are letting her.its a shame.bubba was the fall guy and i hope that hershey will be one soon.
BUBBA WE GOT YOUR BACK HERE.WHAT THEY DID WAS WRONG AND SOMEONE SHOULD PAY FOR IT LIKE YOU AND KIM HAVE.IT MAKES ME SAD TO SEE YOUR PICTURE.YOU GUYS LOOK LIKE SUCH A NICE FAMILY.I AM STARTING A PETITION TO GET YOU BACK
I completely agree-SHAME ON YOU HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE!!!!!!! what happened until “innocent” until proven guilty? And, Bubba? Comeon!!!!!!!!! i know Bubba personally. I could not injest this. He was the most friendly, nicest guy in there. 8 hours, 7days a week, even exhausted coming to wiork sometimes and still didn’t complain. this is unbelieveable. people know how this lady is and hopefully Hershey will recognize this and send her on her way. i pray for you and your family. Hang in there.
i must say that this was such a wrong decision on behalf of Hershey’s. i would also like to add that this person who handled the situation in personnel “Mike Bietzel” had only been employeed by Hershey’s for a matter of a couple weeks. Could he have used this case for his own selfish reasons also? Maybe use it as a leverage to show strength and toughness for the position he assumed? Just to make a name for himself being a new hire himself? anyone think of that Hershey?
discrimination is wrong wheither you are black or white and can happen to any of us at anytime.Iam tired of people thinking it can only happen to minorities.Companies panic when a black employee yells racism so they do whatever they can do to quiet that person.in this case that got rid of an excellent employee to appease her and it turns my stomach.Do what it right.If they would have done the fair thing they would have gotten rid of her when she complained racism against a black employee in her first week.According to her everyone is racist.Its a good method for her to get her way.In the meantime she walks around, disobeying safety rules by wearing hoop earrings on the line.(an offense that would get others wrote up)but has she been so much as warned????NO!Because Hershey’s is scared of her threats of bringing in the NAACP.Good lord!Where will it end?It won’t until Hersheys has enough backbone to stop her.
Iam black.I work at Hershey and I don’t think it right at all.She is using something I take really serious to get things done her way.I have been discriminated against and in this case Bubba did nothing wrong.I don’t beleive it was noose.I think she did this herself.somebody needs to stop this woman before she ruins a good place to work.I have been at Hersheys for 10 years and have nver seen this madness before.She has turned this place upside down.I can speak for several black employees that believe he didnt do this.he was always nice and helpful to us all and we miss him.
Bubba is a good guy.I am a black man and I know he didn’t do this thing.You have our familys full support and we aare praying for you.
I agree with everything I have read on here.bubba is an upstanding guy and I have nothing but respect for him.He is a hardworking family guy, this world needs more like him.Hershey picked the wrong sacrificial lamb this time.I hope he fights this thing to the end.this woman is mean and vicious and she will do this again.She was complaining about a girl being racist just last week because the girl didnt want to have anything to do with her.Nobody wants to be around her because we are all scared to be the next victim.
Just wanted to comment to show my support for Bubba.This was a great article and I hope it helps clear his name.We are praying for your family dude.
ive known bubba for years.i worked with him at pgi and he is a good guy.he always treated everybody the same.him and his wife helped me alot when we had our first baby.they are both really good people and would give the shirts off their backs to help anyone who needed it. i hope this will all work out,he don’t deserve this.
Ihave been an employee at Hershey’s for several years now. For the most part it has been a wonderful place to work- until recently when this incident {and now-even more followed}. Things have not been the same at all. Now for everything that has happened, I look at people and see color-not just a friendly smile-and i no longer am that comfortable working here. I have always been very proud to wear my uniform into public and glad to show a and tell anyone that i work at Hershey’s. I am utterly ashamed now knowing what they have done to this man. I only knew him by mere “passer-by” aquaintance. He always had a friendly smile, and on his way back in to work. I, based on an outside view, still cannot picture this person doing this. I know the woman some-what from being in the cafeteria-what I learned very quickly is to stay as far away from her as I could. Everyone knew in their common-sense that this woman was eventually be TROUBLE. I am just sorry for this man’s family and I pray that Hershey’s makes it right.
Bubba and Kim are both good people.Having hopes and dreams like we all do.They set those hopes and dreams based on the promise that a well respected company,such as Hershey Chocolate wouldn’t let them down.When Bubba got hired after trying twice before,he was ecstatic.I have known him for many years and I have always known him to be a man with a heart of gold.I am very upset that he had nobody to protect his rights in this matter.If a white male claims discrimination, most people laugh.But it happens moreoften then we would think.When you are white, you are considered the racist in almost all of these cases.Black people have organizations to help them with these claims….who do we have????Unfortuanately,Bubba will be looked at ,by a handful of people who don’t know him better,a racist.However, I know him.And to all who know him,we know the Bubba that always has a smile on his face and who is kind and generous to all.I, too,have began a boycott on Hershey products until they recognize the terrible mistake they made.
I have been friends with Bubba since we were little kids.I am really sorry to hear all of this.I am supporting him in any way I can,because I know he would do the same for me.I have forwarded this article to everyone I know and I hope that Hershey pays for what they did to a good guy.
When I heard this about Bubba, I was in shock.Not only is a great person with a wondeful personality but he is a dedicated and hardworking man.I am proud that he is standing up and fighting this.I am married to a black man, and Bubba and his wife have never treated us badly.I think sometimes that they don’t even notice.Which is the way it should be.He coaches my niece, (who is also black) and treats her like a daughter.He helps her and gives her tips on playing ball,just like a good coach does.I would consider Bubba more of a mentor than a coach.Because I would be thrilled if my children turned out to be like him.I hadn’t thought about the boycott idea,but it sounds great to me.I too, will fight with Bubba and his family,because I know he would fight for us.
Iam married to Terry (the last comment).Iam a black man who is usually proud of my race.But, I am not so proud anymore.Iam sickened that a black woman would use the civil rights act of 1964, in this way.We have fought so hard for centuries to be treated equally and she used that struggle to benefit herself.Bubba is one guy that has always been courteous to me and my family.I have known Kim longer than Bubba,and her best friend is my cousin, a black lady.They have attended Christmas dinners at my grandmothers house.Come on!!!We always say they are the blackest white people we know!Our whole family knows this just isn’t Bubba.And I am confident that the truth will come out.And yes,shame on Hersheys but shame on this disgrace to the black race too.
I don’t know this gentleman.A friend of mine forwarded this article to me and it sparked quite an interest in this subject.I began researching the web for cases such as this and it is almost unheard of.All of the organizations that I was directed to were those who promoted racism.I did,however find some information on this very rare situation.I use the term, ‘rare’ ,reluctantly.I am sure there are many situations such as these, they just go unmentioned due to the fact,that so many of us believe that racism only occurs to minorities.In fact, it occurs more than we know.Recently my son asked me, why it was okay for african americans to call white people, crackers or honkies, but if we called them the dreaded ‘n word’ the consequences would be so dreadful.I didn’t quite have the words to explain to my son,because I don’t know the answer.We are supposed to be equal,yet it seems that we have ‘less than’ rights and oppurtunities.I am personally tired of being held accountable for the actions of my ancestors.I have, in no way, ever discriminated against anyone and have taught my children to love equally.It is offensive to me that such a reputable corporation such as Hershey’s would allow this woman to create this hostile enviorment.My observation from all of the previous comments,suggests to me that she is playing the race card to her advantage quite alot.Civil Rights was not established in this country to be exploited in this nature.The family who is the subject of this article, seem to be quite respected by many and don’t see any evidence that would suggest that they are capable of this act.I believe it says alot that so many Hershey employees have risked their own livelyhoods to support this gentleman.I am not sure if his plans are a lawsuit in the future,but I would certainly think he had a case here.Its obviously a case of misguided individuals trying to keep the squeeky clean image of an obviously corrupt company. I wish the best for the Smith’s and I will keep them in my prayers.
Oh yes, and I too, will do my part to get this article out into the public.Mr. Graham,I am very proud of you for exposing such a possibly volatile story. I also, will encourage my friends and family to boycott Hersheys. It’s not so sweet after all.
I work at Hershey’s.I work on 2nd shift and I don’t know Stanley.Everyone was passing this article around at work, so I came home immediately to see all the support that other employees were giving to him. 2 years ago, a fellow black employee and I had a disagreement while working on the cup line.Even though, I didnt call her the n word she was in my face screaming “go ahead,call me n—-”, she beraded me and called me every name in the book.I was a white B—- ,management was called to break us up. The following week, I was layed off and she was at work.She was reprimanded for cursing on the line,but not for calling me all the racial remarks.I had complained many times after the incident of her constant harrassment, and she is to this day still employed there and never faced any disiplinary action.I just chalked it up to another minority getting by with whatever they wanted to.This situation has made me think alot about that incident.And, I am becoming infuriated that Hersheys doesn’t show the white employees the same respect that is given to the blacks.What do you think would have happened had I called her n—– like she was begging me to do?I would have been walked to the gate immediately. Others have the same stories of reverse racism cases within the Stuarts Draft plant.I have heard alot about this incident,but I have yet to hear 1 time that anyone believes that Stanley did this.Hersheys doesn’t even believe it. Their just to busy with their own agenda to protect us. I hope that Stanley sues the pants off of them for this and gets what he deserves.I feel like he is fighting for me too.Iam praying for Stanley and his lovely family.
just showing my support for bubba and his family.noone here thinks he did that.its a big cover up and frame job.we all like him and miss him around here.we all know what a nutcase she is, crying all the time that somebodies being racist to her.she wont stop here.she wont stop until she can file a discrimination suit against hersheys.thats what she wants.and they deserve whatever she sticks to them for doing this.
the real problem here is our new plant manager, paul puskar.he came in, cut wages and benefits, we don’t even use the higher grade of chocolate anymore because he’s trying to save money.its the almighty buck that means more to them than the people who work their asses off so this companies managers can sit back making all their money and not caring about the human factor.oh and dont ever mention the word “union” or my god, the doors would fly open and you would be in the parking lot in a blink of an eye.they think they are saving themselves some embarrassment by getting rid of sombody,but i guess they didnt count on ole bubba fighting his ass off! i personally am sitting back enjoying seeing hersheys getting blasted for all the low down dirty crap they been doing for years.they picked the wrong scape goat.bubba, i think what your doing is right all the way.don’t stop dude!
Iam praying for the family and support Bubba completely.Never has he shown me in the time that he was here that he was hostile to me for being a black lady.He addressed me in a pleasant manner at all times, always saying, yes maam or no maam when I asked him a question.The so called victim here, has talked to me like I was an inferior though.She treats us all,black and white,like she hates us all.For what, I don’t know.Alot of the black employees feel shes out to get something here.She claims she lost her last job to a white man, but she took one with her when she left.It was clear to us then that she is a very bitter woman who hates white people.We stay away from her just like the white employees do.Dr.King said “we shall overcome” he never said “we shall take over”,he fought for equality among the races,not superiority.This woman sets back our entire race.I wish she would have called in the NAACP,I would have walked right up to them and told the truth about who the real racist is here and other black employees would have followed suit.Hersheys needs to mend the wounds here that they have made by letting her manipulate them into firing a good man.
Mary- 2nd shift
I never thought that hersheys would do this to someone who was so dedicated like Bubba was.He was always a pleasure to work with and I know he had nothing to do with this.I was one of the people that Mike called in for questions.I told him repeatedly that Bubba wasn’t in the area when the tape was found.I told him how the appearance of the tape had changed.I also told him how ’she’ had been from day 1 of her employment.He would nod like he cared, but now I see he didn’t care at all.Bob Cairnes was also at my meeting with Mike.I even told Mike that Bob knows how difficult ’she’ was and Bob nodded in agreement.I returned to the line, and ’she’ was yelling and cursing and threatening to bring in the NAACP.We all looked at her and shook our heads.Those of us who actually saw the tape hanging there all agreed it looked like a piece of tape that had curled up when it had been pulled off of a roll.The hole in this tape was about 2 inches in diameter.It magically transformed into hole that you could put your head through when I saw in the managers office less than 24 hours later.When we tried to calm her down and talk sense to her she declared us all racists and said we were covering for the white people.She stated all of crackers stick together.The funny thing was…black people were there too,telling her it was just a piece of tape.She had seen what she wanted and that was that.After the 3 people got suspended, she still claimed discrimination if you looked at her the wrong way.during their suspension another supposive noose magically appeared.Give me a break!Did the 3 do that too from the comfort of their homes???Hersheys held several meetings and threatened all of us who were on the line that if we talked about this with the media or anyone we would be terminated immediately.Why are they so worried?Now the gates are being used,guards are checking badges and cars for media.The gates haven’t been guarded since the last incident when an employee had a racial incident take place…3 years ago.Anyone see a connection here? Hersheys can threaten me with termination until the cows come home because I have had enough of this woman using the race card to bully us around.She breaks safety rules with earrings and nobody says nothing to her.White trash is on the wall,she isn’t even questioned.Shes bullying the female employee who returned to work after her suspension,nobody says anything.She takes 45 minute breaks and 1 hour lunches…still nothing.If Hershey is so afraid of her they should give her an office with a window,a company car and a lifetime supply of reeses cups.I will tolerate her any longer,I have made complaint after complaint about her and they say they will talk to her and I shouldn’t have to get along with her,just ignore her.Why should I come to work every night and worry if I will be the next sacrificial lamb?????Hersheys better do something and do it quickly.Bubba, I will go to court with you or anything I have to in order to get your name cleared.I maybe anonymous on here but you know exactly who I am ….so call me asap.
I READ THIS AT WORK TONIGHT.I THINK ITS GREAT THAT YOU ARE FIGHTING.EVERYONE AT WORK HAS A COPY OF THIS AND THEY ALL SAY THEY WILL BE POSTING COMMENTS IN YOUR SUPPORT HERE.HERSHEYS EMPLOYS OVER 900 PEOPLE SO I HOPE THEY KEEP THIS OPEN.BECAUSE WE ARE ALL UPSET THIS HAPPENED TO YOU.WE NOW YOU DIDNT DO THIS, MATTER OF FACT,I DON’T THINK ANYONE DID.SHE IS SO SICK THAT SHE SEES DISCRIMINATION EVERY WHERE.KUDOS TO THIS PUBLICATION FOR HELPING MY FRIEND AND HIS FAMILY.IAM PRAYING FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
I work at Hersheys.We are praying for you,Bubba.You don’t deserve this.They fired the wrong person.She needs to be the one out looking for a job.Fight til the end just like your wife said in her comment.Keep your head up,you have alot of support here.
if you need anything man call me.anything at all.you got alot of friends and they are all bummed that they did this to you.I got your back dude.
I work for hersheys, I been there for 15 years and have never seen the people so upset.I got the copy of this that was being passed around at work.Glad to see you holding your head high.My family is praying for you.Hang tight,it will all work out.
i dont know bubba personally.but i have seen him at work and he always had a smile on his face.i dont even know alot about what happened except what i heard.people are really fired up about this and from what i have seen,i can see why.i accidently bumped into the woman who this happened to in the locker room.i said excuse me and she looked at me and said i better watch myself.i was waiting to be called to bobs office thinking i was going to be accused of something i didnt do.i now avoid her at any cost i need my job.but i shouldnt have to fear this woman or anyone at work.i hope they wise up and do something about her soon.
I feel so bad for you Bubba.I hope this all works out for you and your family.Don’t worry about your reputation, we all know you had no part in this incident.We miss you and would love to see your smiling face back in the coconut kitchen.Our prayers are with you.
I was actually unaware of this story until last evening while standing in line at Wal-Mart, in Waynesboro. I happened to overhear a man, (who was talking with another male, both of which were standing with their families) sharing that, they needed to come up with a new recipe for their favorite camping treat, Smores.
Obviously, this caught my ear, who doesn’t love a smore?? The man continued sharing about how an employee has been recenlty fired from his job after another employee had claimed that a clear tape noose had been found at the factory. What appalled me, and had me also decide to ban Hershey products, was when the man said that this employee was fired based on an assumption. Apparently, this employee just so happened to be the unfortunate one that was place on this particular line, at this particular moment.
Even more shocking, was their had been two other employee on the same line, in the same area, that were suspended and then reinstated and in a “write-up” they were being disciplined for the exact same reason as this other young man was fired. If that isn’t scandalous enough, the employees could only have their jobs returned if they agreed to take discrimination classes. Are you kidding me?? This is nothing but clear bullying by this company. Perhaps those in management should have to enroll in a class about basic human rights.
What is happening to us in this country that can cause a person to lose their lively hood based merely on being in the wrong place at the wrong time? This could have been any one of the hundreds of persons employed at the plant. Who says this will not occur again? What does it mean when someone can simply make a claim and without just cause, or without any evidence to the contrary, someone will lose their employment.
It’s a sad day, when we as human beings tuck our heads in the sand and refuse to fight for those that have been wrongly attacked. How dare Hershey threaten that if any employee is suspected of even speaking of the incident they too will be fired. What kind of company is this that will go so far as to fire someone for taking part in one of their basic human rights?
I applaud all those employees who have bravely decided to speak out about this injustice. I would hope that if this happened to me that there would also be those willing to take a stand with me
Hershey Chocolate has now considered “bitter” Chocolate to me.
I WANTED TO SHOW MY SUPPORT FOR BUBBA.WE ALL KNOW YOU DIDNT DO THIS.
Bubba is a great guy and this entire story is phony from beginning to end.This woman came up in and used her race on a daily basis to get things her way.If she didn’t like her assignment,someone is racist.If you didn’t hear ,your purposely ignoring her because you are a racist.Somebody was talking about oreo cookies and she stands up in the cafeteria and accuses them of racism.This is ridiculous.Somebody needs to do something.So far she has gotten away with murder.Whats next???Hersheys fired the wrong employee.
Hey iam supporting my friend 100%.bubba is a good guy and this is not true.i have known bubba a while and i know he don’t think like this.you need anything bubba you know where to come.
I have worked for Herhsys for 12 years.Ive heard and seen alot.But I have never seen this company bow down to a person like they are bowing down to this woman.Everyday its something new with her.Shes constantly bullying someone around,and they do nothing.I can’t wait to see her walked to the gate,this place will be back to normal.But I think they will keep her honestly.Because they know she has them in a corner.white trash on a wall was enough for me.I thought for sure they would have at least suspended to prove a point.Why not suspend the last 3 blacks in the area like they did to bubba marta and stacy?But no they did nothing.I keep a distance from this woman as much asi can, but I know the day is coming that we will be thrown together.And i Swear, I will fight like Bubba is doing if this same thing happens to me.
First of all, when this whole thing got started, Bubba and two others were relieved indefinately of their jobs during investigation, well why in the hell was she allowed to still be at work? Was this time given to her to “beef” up her story?…. Then a comment showed up on our white board that said ” im sure if bubba were here he could tell us” following the question “what is an 8 hour day?” Soon after this there was a department meeting held at approximately 1045pm with all those in the area where this had happened and we were all told, rather threatened, that if we were ever in the area during another harassment or discrimination issue anywhere in the plant that our job would be terminated! Once again, she was not there. If everyone should be treated equally, and there is no evidence of who did these acts, then why in the hell isn’t she equally disciplined with the rest of us? At the conclusion of this meeting, we were all given the option to express concerns or information to our plant manager in private, so i did. We were told at the beginning of the shift that there would be a meeting at 1045 that night (being a saturday night and noone ever holds a meeting during overtime) and everyone on third shift and those working 12’s to cover for the absent employees on third, were to be present. So throughout the night i had made a list of the things that i was concerned with, since it didnt take a genious to figure out what the meeting was about. When i brought these items to direct attention of the plant manager, i was told ” you need to watch what you say and what you do, it seems to me that your targeting her” i just think this ordeal should be looked at by an outsider and not just kept in the plant. Bubba you are a great person, and hopefully one day ill cross paths with you again, i want to shake your hand! Ive been at hershey for a short 3 years, one of which was spent overseas on deployment where i slept and showered beside an african american man for 8 1/2 months, so if anyone is reading this thinking im a racist, then ill let you talk to him, im sure he will tell you different.
I am writing this comment in order to show my support and respect for Bubba.I am so glad he’s not taking this laying down.Our plant has been a mess ever since Paul Puskar (the new plant manager) came in January.He’s disrespectful to the employees and is all about the bottom line.Humanity comes in a distant second.He and this joke of the human resource department, Mike, are both new to our plant and doing whatever possible to make a name for themselves.The last plant managers,Everett or Tom either one would have never stood for this.Hersheys used to be the best place to work, I loved the years I have been there until this incident.Everyone is in fear from this crazy woman and management who threaten our jobs if we turn whistle blower.The term “at will employment” has been used more in the last few months then I have ever heard.Meaning they can fire us for anything that they basically don’t agree with.I could lose my job that I have been commited to for over 10 years for writing this.And guess what?I don’t care!!!We need to rid our once respected plant of these nuisances.One being, Paul; secondly, Mike Bietzle, and last but certainly not least this disgusting woman who is throwing around the race card.I read a previous comment about a tape that had Paul saying he basically fired Bubba with a “I think”,this tape needs to played for all to hear.Its shameful what this company has done to this man and his family.
so glad to see all this support for bubba.he deserves our love, prayers and support because this could be one us next week.iam with you bubba.screw hersheys!
my prayers are with you bubba and your family.this was wrong and everyone knows it.you have the entires plant support,i haven’t heard 1 person agree with this decision.keep fighting.
I know bubba and his wife.Kim worked here as a temp a few years back.I met Bubba when he came in a few months back.Instantly I knew that he was a good guy.Always smiling and happy.They both are really nice people and I am sorry for all of this.Kim is a firecracker and stands up for herself and defends her family to the end, so I believe that she will not stand for this.She is someone I want on my side if it came down to anything.I feel sorry for Hersheys, because they definitly picked the wrong family here.I know that they will see this to the end and I hope they get everything they deserve.
What the hell is happening to Hershey’s? Oh, that’s right-Paul Pushcar-let’s get a litle history on him-sent all the way in from Ca_i_forn_i-a!!!!!!!!Couldn’t even keep that plany running. Guess he had some ties with someone. Ya think? Oh, and let’s not forget MIKE BIETZEL{employee relations} you know- the one who took action and really thought that this would be accepted by all the other employees here!!! NOT!!!! You continue to fight Bubba. We are upset as hell and if MIKE BIETZEL and PAUL PUSKAR took one minute to have ever know the person you are, this decision would never have took place and you would still be here, supporting your wife and childrren, paying your bills-just like everyone else here wants. Miss you man!!!!!Hang in there!!!Guess I shouldn’t have said that. Does that make me a racist?
what a cover up!my god,they fire someone with no proof only an ‘I think’????they ruin his life with no guilt?how can these 3 sleep at night?paul has his 6 figure salary in tact so he dont care.mike is kissing ass to get a 6 figure salary and this hideous woman is trying to sue hersheys to get hers.shes fishing for a discimination case and they know it so they will fire anyone to just to shut her up.pathetic!she needs to try to simply work for her money like the rest of us and quit being so damn manipulating.
BLACK PEOPLE AND OTHER MINORITIES ABSOLUTELY DESERVE EQUAL RIGHTS AND IN NO WAY WOULD I EVER CONDONE AN ACTUAL NOOSE BEING HUNG ANYWHERE TO OFFEND SOMEONE.BUT, IN THIS CASE IT WASN’T EVEN A NOOSE.I PERSONALLY SAW THIS TAPE.AND IT LOOKED LIKE A PIECE OF TAPE DOES WHEN IT CURLS UP.BOX TAPE IS VERY THIN AND WHEN YOU PULL IT OFF THE ROLL WITHOUT HOLDING BOTH ENDS IT TENDS TO STICK TOGETHER.SHE WANTED TO SEE A NOOSE AND SO SHE MADE IT INTO ONE IN HER MIND.OTHER BLACK PEOPLE DIDNT EVEN THINK IT WAS A NOOSE.THEY WERE AND STILL ARE LAUGHING AT HER IGNORANCE.THE 2 THAT CAME BACK AFTER SUSPENSION LOST OVER $1000.00 IN PAY FOR HER ACT OF HATRED TO THE WHITE PEOPLE AND BUBBA IS GETTING READY TO LOSE HIS HOME.HE COULDN’T MAKE HIS HOUSE PAYMENT.HIS WIFE WENT TO THE FOOD BANK FOR GROCERIES.DO THEY DESERVE THIS?HE HAD TO TAKE AN $8.00 AN HOUR JOB UNTIL HE FINDS SOMETHING ELSE BECAUSE HE’S TOO PROUD TO GET UNEMPLOYMENT.ALL 3 OF HIS CHILDREN WERE GETTING THEIR BRACES ON THIS SUMMER,BUT NOW HE HAS NO INSURANCE TO DO SO.ONE OF HIS SONS IS ON MEDICATION THAT HE NEEDS EVERY MONTH…NO INSURANCE.BUT IF YOU ASK THEM, THEY WILL SAY…”IT WILL BE OKAY,WE TURN IT AROUND SOMEHOW”,THEY ARE HOLDING IT TOGETHER.THIS WOMAN AND THESE 2 MEMBERS OF MANAGEMENT NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR WHAT THEY DID TO THIS FAMILY JUST TO SAVE THEMSELVES.I WOULD BE SO ASHAMED.ANYTHING THAT I CAN DO TO HELP THEM I WILL DO.THIS ISN’T FAIR OR RIGHT.AN INNOCENT MAN TOOK THE FALL FOR HERSHEYS.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE “I HAVE A DREAM” SPEECH….I BET HE NEVER DREAMED THAT THIS WOMAN WOULD USE HIS BELIEFS AND CONVICTIONS TO DESTROY AN INNOCENT MANS LIFE. NO WHERE IN THIS SPEECH OR ANY OTHER HE MADE, DID HE SAY THAT BLACK PEOPLE SHOULD THEIR RACE TO ADVANCE THEMSELVES.HE PREACHED EQUALITY AMONG US, NOT SUPERIORITY.HE WOULD BE ASHAMED OF HER AS AM I.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
“I Have a Dream”
delivered 28 August 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington DC
I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.
Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.
But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. And so we’ve come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.
In a sense we’ve come to our nation’s capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the “unalienable Rights” of “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note, insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked “insufficient funds.”
But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so, we’ve come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.
We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children.
It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro’s legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. And those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. And there will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.
But there is something that I must say to my people, who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice: In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.
The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom.
We cannot walk alone.
And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead.
We cannot turn back.
There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, “When will you be satisfied?” We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. *We cannot be satisfied as long as the negro’s basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their self-hood and robbed of their dignity by a sign stating: “For Whites Only.”* We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until “justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.”¹
I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. And some of you have come from areas where your quest — quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive. Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed.
Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.
And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of “interposition” and “nullification” — one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; “and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.”²
This is our hope, and this is the faith that I go back to the South with.
With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.
And this will be the day — this will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with new meaning:
My country ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim’s pride,
From every mountainside, let freedom ring!
And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true.
And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.
Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.
Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.
Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado.
Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.
But not only that:
Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.
Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee.
Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi.
From every mountainside, let freedom ring.
And when this happens, when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual:
Free at last! Free at last!
Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!³
I just wanted to let Bubba know that I fully support him and know he didn’t do this.He is a great guy and I have missed him greatly since his termination.I agree with these comments here.I am ashamed that Hersheys would do this and continue to employ someone who is a threat to the entire plant.
I HEARD TODAY THAT THE LADY WHO IS SUBJECT OF THIS STORY IS VERY UPSET BECAUSE SHE FEELS THIS ENTIRE ARTICLE AND THE SUPPORT THAT WE ARE RECIEVING FROM HERSHEY EMPLOYEES,FAMILY AND FRIENDS IS MISGUIDED AND SLANDEROUS.FIRST OFF, MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE INSTURCTED EVERYONE INCLUDING EMPLOYEES WHO ARE LEAVING COMMENTS TO NOT TO USE HER NAME OR SAY ANYTHING EXCEPT THE FACTS THAT THEY KNOW PERSONALLY.THIS IS NOT AN ATTACK ON HER,IAM SORRY IF SHE IS UPSET THAT MY HUSBAND IS GETTING THIS ATTENTION,SINCE HER PLAN BACKFIRED AND IS NOT THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE.MY MESSAGE IS TO HER DIRECTLY….YOU STARTED THIS ENTIRE MESS,YOU RUINED OUR LIVES AND I WILL NOT LIVE LONG ENOUGH TO GET MY FEELINGS OF HATRED OUT FOR YOU.AND IF YOU NOW FEEL ALIENATED AT YOUR WORKPLACE, WELL I SAY….GOOD FOR YA!YOU ASKED FOR THIS,YOU GOT IT.IT MUST REALLY UPSET YOU THAT BLACK EMPLOYEES AND OUR BLACK FRIENDS ARE SHOWING THEIR SUPPORT FOR US,BUT IT IS JUSTIFIED,MY HUSBAND IS A GOOD MAN AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN AND THEY ALL KNOW IT.YOU ON THE OTHER HAND, WILL HAVE TO LIVE WITH YOUR DEMONS AND BITTERNESS AND I PRAY THAT ONE DAY YOU WILL LEARN TO LET GO OF WHATEVER MISJUSTICE HAS HAPPENED TO YOU AND REALIZE THAT YOU MISSED OUT ON A FRIENDSHIP WITH A GREAT PERSON.YOU ARE SELF ABSORBED,SELFISH AND A DOWN RIGHT MALICIOUS PERSON, YOU ARE REAPING WHAT YOU HAVE SEWN.AND BELIEVE THIS…ITS JUST THE BEGINNING OF THE PERSONAL HELL I HAVE PLANNED FOR YOU AND HERSHEYS.YOU HAVE CROSSED THE WRONG ONE LADY,I WILL BE LIKE AN ANNOYING GNAT IN YOUR AND HERSHEYS EAR.I WILL NOT GO AWAY UNTIL JUSTICE IS SERVED.HERSHEYS WILL REGRET THE DAY THEY EVER HIRED YOU,BUT, OH THATS RIGHT…..THEY ALREADY ARE.BUT THE COLOR OF YOUR SKIN WILL SECURE YOUR EMPLOYMENT FOR NOW.THATS ALL YOUR JOB IS RIDING ON,BECAUSE ITS CERTAINLY NOT MERIT OR HARDWORK THATS KEEPING YOU OUT OF THE SOUPLINE.I THINK IT SPEAKS VOLUMES THAT BLACK EMPLOYEES WILL COME FORWARD AND SPEAK LIKE THIS ON BEHALF OF MY HUSBAND AND HIS CHARACTER.IF HE HAD ANY PART OF SUCH A VICIOUS ACT LIKE THE ONE YOU HAVE CLAIMED,IT WOULD HAVE OFFENDED EVERY BLACK EMPLOYEE IN HERSHEYS.THEY TOO KNOW WHO THE ENEMY IS HERE.YOU ARE A DISGRACE TO THE GOOD BLACK PEOPLE OF THIS COMMUNITY.YOU HAVE EXPLOITED SUCH AN IMPORTANT CAUSE TO MANIPULATE THE SYSTEM FOR YOUR OWN ADVANTAGE.SO GET USE TO MY WRATH,MATTER OF FACT YOU MAY AS WELL ENJOY IT…..BECAUSE YOU WILL BE FEELING IT FOR QUITE SOMETIME!!!!!
Over the years, I’ve put in my share of job applications at some of Hershey’s events around the county, but was never lucky (or unlucky) enough to be hired. I guess it’s true what the song says about God’s greatest gifts being unanswered prayers.
It really speaks volumes about the ethics (or lack thereof) of an HR department that is not only willing to take away an employee’s livelihood, but is also willing to slander his reputation - all to keep the EEOC attack dogs at bay.
Shame on Hershey management for not standing up for their people and seeking the truth. I don’t even want to know what kind of karma is headed your way.
Good luck to Bubba and your family. Vengeance may belong to God, but justice is our responsibility. Take this terrible event and turn it into something good.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” –Martin Luther King
“God will move the rock, all we have to do is push it” –Jimmie Vaughan
I THINK IT IS TERRIBLE WHAT HAS BEEN DONE TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY BUBBA. WE ARE ALL ON EGGSHELLS AROUND THIS WOMEN! ON DAYLIGHT THEY HAD A BLACK HISTORY MONTH MEAL AND NO WHITE WERE ALLOWED TO EAT AND THE TABLE WAS GUARDED LIKE A BUNCH OF VULTURES.BUT DID YOU HEAR OF US COMPLAINING? EVEN IF WE HAD OF IT WOULDN’T HAVE MATTERED! I STILL DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY WE ALL JUST CAN’T GET ALONG……………SHE HAS THREATENED TO CALL THE NAACP WELL WHO THE HELL CAN THE WHITE PEOPLE CALL FOR BACK UP! I WISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY THE BEST BUBBA I ONLY KNEW YOU IN PASSING BUT YOU SEEMED LIKE A WONDERFUL MAN ALWAYS SMILING DON’T EVER STOP FIGHTING!
Stop crying and take the blame for what you did. The other two must have ratted on you or you would not have been fired. That’s who you need you need to direct your anger.
Laughing at this last comment!!!The other 2 people who were suspended, got wrote up with the exact terminology that was on my termination letter,”we think you know more about this incident” was the exact words.So,your lack of intelligence about the facts of this matter is obvious.There is no one to “rat on” as you so brilliantly stated with your literary skills.And I will find out who,if anyone, said that I did it when the EEOC does their investigation.This last comment was posted by probably the culprit herself.Considering the fact, that she is the only one who would spew venom like this.The majority of the plant is backing me and if there is only 1 bad apple out of 900,I think I have proved my point.And at the very least,the employees,my friends and my family are courageous enough to leave their real name, Miss. Infuriated.The only person crying here is the so called victim and Hersheys.And thanks for the extra motivation,this only gives me additional strength I will need to continue this fight!!!!!
And an additional point I would like to get across in reference to this last comment posted by this coward,’infuriated’,is….I will never confess or admit to something that I didn’t do or say that someone else did it, in order to save myself.Unlike you and Hersheys,I have character and a backbone to stand up for what is right and what is wrong.And I firmly believe that the other 2 people in this story,wouldn’t have done anything like that either.If they had of,they wouldn’t have been wrote up,made to take discimination classes and they were not compensated with pay when they returned to work.And grant you,there may have been tears shed,but never were they shed because of any guilt.They were shed from the fact that Hersheys would allow themselves to be manipulated into firing a dedicated employee,such as myself,in order to muzzle the so called victim here,who uses her race to advance herself in the workplace.Like I had stated in a previous comment,Hardwork and merit is not keeping this lady employed,the color of her skin is.Had I been born an african american,I would still have my position.And I would still carry myself with the same pride and dignity that I have now.These characteristics are those that you and the percieved victim lack.This forum was created so people like you can make comments and express their beliefs,that is freedom of the press and freedom of speech,two of our most basic rights we have as americans.But what choosing to overlook,is all men are created equal.That includes white men.Having said that,please continue to exploit this venue,if you choose,but please keep in mind…I will debate you and whomever,anyday and everyday.Because the facts speak for themselves.
You have a right to feel what you feel. I as a friend of the woman have my right to feel too. There is always two sides to every story
In the end God know what really happened. So he’s the only one any one has to answer to.
i “HOPE” that “MISS FEDERAL GOVERNMENT” AKA-{DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE} “LOST MY JOB TO THE WHITE MAN” WHAT A JOKE THEY PROBABLY TOOK YOUR JOB CAUSE LEGALLY THAT WAS THEIR ONLY WAY TO “RID” OF YOU. “NO HUSBAND-NO CHILDREN-DO WE REALLY NEED TO WONDER WHY? YOU CAN’T MAKE A LIFE FOR YOURSELF , SO YOU DESTROY OTHERS AS YOUR “PASS TIME”. YOU KNOW IT WASN’T A SO-CALLED “NOOSE”. LET’S NOT “INSULT OUR INTELIGENCE”. ONLY REASON BUBBA GOT FIRED OUT OF THIS IS BECAUSE HERSHEY’S HAS TO SHOW THAT SOMETHING WAS DONE AND MAKE IT “LOOK GOOD” SO THAT YOU WOULD SHUT-UP. ONLY EVIL PERSON IN THIS ENTIRE EVENT WAS “YOU”. BET YOUR MOMMAS SO PROUD OF YOU. I “HOPE” YOU SELF-DESTRUCT”. PEOPLE ALL TALKED TO BUBBA, MARTHA, AND STACY ALL BECAUSE THEY “NATURALLY” ENJOYED TALKING TO THEM, THEY SPEAK TO YOU ONLY WHEN THEY HAVE TO. EVER NOTICE THAT? YOU ARE A STRAIGHT-UP F*CKING B*TCH , DO US ALL A FAVOR AND GO BACK TO YOUR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT-OR LET’S SAY BACK TO YOUR UNEMPLOYMENT CHECKS. I “HOPE” WE CROSS PATHS OUTSIDE OF HERSHEY ONE DAY-WHO WILL STAND UP FOR YOU THEN?
I would first like to say we miss you Bubba… You are a good worker and a great guy.. I am very happy to have got to work with you.. and i don’t think what happend to you was right.. to all who wants to boycott Hershey candy.. please think about the other good people that still work there and there familys who will be hurt if they get laid off… i am very sorry for what has happend but don’t let other people get hurt… Bubba if you are reading this please please tell people not to stop buying hershey candy… this will not hurt the ones that need to be blamed..
To infuriated,I agree we all have a right and the responsiblity to know each side of the story.And you are absolutely correct,there are 2 sides of any story.However,Hershey’s made it difficult in order for my husband to get his side out.My husband and I are humilated and ashamed to be in this situation.That is why we chose this forum…to clear my husbands name.He is a good man and a well respected member of our community,as you can see from all of the support he is receiving from black and white people alike.I respect your devotion to your friend.Actually,I find it admirable.However, my devotion and admiration, is now and forever, will be to my husband.And as I repeated earlier,he will be cleared of this.
Just for the record,I wanted to state that my husband nor I support any acts of violence or the use of profanity in this forum.We understand that this may be a volatile situation,however,please refrain from any acts of abuse towards this woman.We appreciate the support that all of you have given us,and we encourage you to keep the comments coming.
Hey There Bubba hang in there
Hey Kim & Bubba hang in there. You are a beautiful couple and have many things to be thankful for , that being your children. This to shall pass and you have gaurdian angels watching over you.
I worked for factories for quite a few years now and everyone of them are the same. They discriminate against white employees. The reason being is we have no way of fighting against them. We have no civil rights act to protect the white race and I think that is disgusting. I have been in a factory lately when A shift LEAD was verbally abusing me and she made my life a living hell when I went to her superiors because they let her. I physically got sick every time I had to go into work. She gave me the crappiest jobs and she knew some of them were very difficult for me especially when the job had me lifting very heavy boxes all day. I am 5 ft. and I had to lift them off the floor and over my head.They don’t think about safety but thank god the employees do. I am indefinitely unemployed at that company and thank god for that. My body couldn’t take much more abuse. I wish the employees had a say in the managers jobs because most of the managers there would be without jobs. Thank you for hearing my story. Bubba and family I worked at hersheys for a little while and I was proud to work there but it looks like whoever is taking over these factories doesn’t give a sh– about their employees at all. Bubba hang in there and I will have everyone I know say a prayer for you and your family. Look to god for strength just remember the black employee is not going to get away with it forever and she is going to cost the company a lot of money. God be with you Bubba and Family because the devil has got hersheys. Praying for all of the victims. Hang in there Bubba. You have a lot of love behind you and it will shine soon. Prayers.
I am the lawyer mentioned in Chris Graham’s article “The Other Side of Discrimination.” After reading the postings to the blog following the story, I must say Bubba sounds like a fine individual and I have heartfelt sympathy for him and his family. I hope that Bubba is aware that any white employee who feels he/she has been subjected by his/her employer to “reverse discrimination,” as it is sometimes called, has a right to file a charge of discrimination against his/her employer with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (see EEOC website http://www.eeoc.gov for information), provided they do so within the required time (180 is the general rule). The EEOC investigates such charges, whether the person claiming discrimination is black or white. For example, the Richmond, Virginia EEOC office investigated the charge of discrimination filed by my client, Brett Birkmeyer, accusing Old Dominion University of discriminated against him because he is white, and the EEOC ultimately issued a written determination in favor of Brett and against ODU. (Please note that the preceding information is provided solely for informational purposes, and that by stating the preceding I am not advising Bubba to file a charge of discrimination or take or refrain from taking any other specific action, nor am I rendering legal advice, nor expressing any opinion regarding any specific situation or person, including but not limited to Bubba or Hersey.) I will say a prayer for Bubba and his family, and wish them all the best.
Bubba has his own website now,we hope you all will visit it.
clearbubbasnamenow.bravehost.com
someone wrote: “please tell people not to stop buying hershey candy… this will not hurt the ones that need to be blamed”
Actually, this WILL hurt those who need to be blamed, but it will also hurt those who are innocent - probably more so. But that’s the price we pay when we choose to sell our souls for a decent paycheck.
All of these supposed Hershey employees here who take Bubba’s side, have had prior run-ins with this woman, or been mistreated by Hershey, but so far there have been no public demonstrations to bring attention to this incident outside of this brave website. Every newspaper, radio and TV station in the area should be talking about this.
The local Hershey management are running scared right now. They know what they did was wrong, that’s why they’re trying to use intimidation and fear tactics to keep workers quiet until they can sweep it all under the rug.
I understand that people have bills to pay and don’t want to risk their necks. Just keep in mind that if you don’t do something about this, you might be the next lamb they sacrifice.
“If we all don’t hang together, we most certainly shall hang separately” — Benjamin Franklin
“But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” — Matt. 6:20
I really didn’t know bubba that well, but Worked on the 3rd shift with him I have been employed there for 5 years. I actually didn’t even know that he was fired, but thought that he quit. Until reading this article that was brought to my attention from work. I am very upset with the whole situation. I mean they didn’t have any evidence to fire Bubba or suspend the other 2 people that just so happen to have a job in that area. I mean if I had taken a job in the coconut kitchen I could have be apart of this womans wrath. I have passed this woman in the hall and I have never had a problem with her, but have never acutally worked or really talked to her, but with all this information I will def steer clear of her, because I need my job, and I will be damed with someone is going to accuse me of being racial. I feel sorry for the other 2 that have to work and see her on a daily basis. Because I am sure they are in fear for losing there jobs and no one should have to come to work every night and have to worry about this woman making anymore threats. I mean right now at Hersheys everyone is basically working 7 days a week. We already feel like we live there and people should be comfortable were they work, at one time it was a place that I liked to go and work but anymore it becoming a place of dred. Since Paul has coem to this plant the Moral has gone from 99 to 1. No one likes him, He keeps cutting jobs and making work on everyone so much harder than it has to be. He keeps bringing in his Friends from Cali. and replacing them with the people that have been there for so long. I remember people telling me that they tried and tired to get on at hersheys because it was the place to work , but now it not. No one there really enjoys being there and for Paul ” if you don’t give a shit about your employees and you treat them like shit, then Shit is what you will get in return” I just want this place to be like it used to be a place were people wanted to work, I know that was a little bashing there but back to the main point, Bubba deserved to have a secure job were all this BS is just that BS. I am praying for you and your family, we all support you at hersheys and hope you fight till the end. Get what you deserve!!! Your named cleared off and this BS. Hopefully she will get what she deserves. Fired And if hersheys would grow some ball and start doing what is right then maybe that will happen. God bless you and your family.
I really didn’t know bubba that well, but Worked on the 3rd shift with him I have been employed there for 5 years. I actually didn’t even know that he was fired, but thought that he quit. Until reading this article that was brought to my attention from work. I am very upset with the whole situation. I mean they didn’t have any evidence to fire Bubba or suspend the other 2 people that just so happen to have a job in that area. I mean if I had taken a job in the coconut kitchen I could have be apart of this womans wrath. I have passed this woman in the hall and I have never had a problem with her, but have never acutally worked or really talked to her, but with all this information I will def steer clear of her, because I need my job, and I will be damed with someone is going to accuse me of being racial. I feel sorry for the other 2 that have to work and see her on a daily basis. Because I am sure they are in fear for losing there jobs and no one should have to come to work every night and have to worry about this woman making anymore threats. I mean right now at Hersheys everyone is basically working 7 days a week. We already feel like we live there and people should be comfortable were they work, at one time it was a place that I liked to go and work but anymore it becoming a place of dred. Since Paul has coem to this plant the Moral has gone from 99 to 1. No one likes him, He keeps cutting jobs and making work on everyone so much harder than it has to be. He keeps bringing in his Friends from Cali. and replacing them with the people that have been there for so long. I remember people telling me that they tried and tried to get on at hersheys because it was the place to work , but now its not. No one there really enjoys being there and for Paul ” if you don’t give a shit about your employees and you treat them like shit, then Shit is what you will get in return” I just want this place to be like it used to be a place where people wanted to work, I know that was a little bashing there but back to the main point, Bubba deserved to have a secure job were all this BS is just that BS. I am praying for you and your family, we all support you at hersheys and hope you fight till the end. Get what you deserve!!! Your named cleared off and this BS. Hopefully she will get what she deserves. Fired And if hersheys would grow some ball and start doing what is right then maybe that will happen. God bless you and your family.
I really didn’t know bubba that well, but Worked on the 3rd shift with him I have been employed there for 5 years. I actually didn’t even know that he was fired, but thought that he quit. Until reading this article that was brought to my attention from work. I am very upset with the whole situation. I mean they didn’t have any evidence to fire Bubba or suspend the other 2 people that just so happen to have a job in that area. I mean if I had taken a job in the coconut kitchen I could have be apart of this womans wrath. I have passed this woman in the hall and I have never had a problem with her, but have never acutally worked or really talked to her, but with all this information I will def steer clear of her, because I need my job, and I will be damed with someone is going to accuse me of being racial. I feel sorry for the other 2 that have to work and see her on a daily basis. Because I am sure they are in fear for losing there jobs and no one should have to come to work every night and have to worry about this woman making anymore threats. I mean right now at Hersheys everyone is basically working 7 days a week. We already feel like we live there and people should be comfortable were they work, at one time it was a place that I liked to go and work but anymore it becoming a place of dred. Since Paul has coem to this plant the Moral has gone from 99 to 1. No one likes him, He keeps cutting jobs and making work on everyone so much harder than it has to be. He keeps bringing in his Friends from Cali. and replacing them with the people that have been there for so long. I remember people telling me that they tried and tried to get on at hersheys because it was the place to work , but now its not. No one there really enjoys being there and for Paul ” if you don’t give a shit about your employees and you treat them like shit, then Shit is what you will get in return” I just want this place to be like it used to be a place where people wanted to work, I know that was a little bashing there but back to the main point, Bubba deserved to have a secure job were all this BS is just that BS. I am praying for you and your family, we all support you at hersheys and hope you fight till the end. Get what you deserve!!! Your named cleared of all this Bs. Hopefully she will get what she deserves. Fired And if hersheys would grow some ball and start doing what is right then maybe that will happen. God bless you and your family.
Well this article sure has caused a stir at work,so I wanted to see for myself.I have seen alot of people come and go at Hersheys but I have never seen anyone go out like this and get this much attention.I think its great that Stanley is doing all of this and we are sticking our necks out like this for him.I had been told by management,among others,not to talk about this to anyone,and I knew something wasn’t right.Why did they want us to be quiet?They knew that they had did the wrong thing,but I guess they figured Stanley would go quietly.Looks like they were wrong.We all should be making comments and helping him out,this could be us next week.I feel so bad for the lady who got suspended with Stanley.She walks around like she is in constant fear.I asked her how shes doing and about this, and she replied,”I can’t talk about it or I will be fired” and she hung her head and walked away.Before this incident she always had a smile on her face.She acts like shes a nervous wreck.This has affected our entire plant,everyone is talking about and all have supported Stanley.Even black employees! They all stay clear of the woman who started all of this.That tells me alot.It seems like all blacks would be a victim here,but they too are on Stanley’s side.Good Luck Stanley you have my support and I am praying for you and your family.
Linda
I worked with this “woman” during the first few weeks of her employment… all she talked about was the fact that everything bad that has happened to her was because she was black. She lost her Govt job because she was black, she was given “menial” jobs at Hershey because she was black, managers treated her differently because she was black, etc etc. I finally asked her why she stayed at Hershey if she disliked it so much, she snapped her finger in my face and told me that “I am only staying here until I get my government job, and you need to watch your mouth when you talk to me.” She then commented to a co-worker within my earshot about the “smart ass little white girl who needs to know her place”… meaning me…That woman is nothing but a bully, and Hershey lets her do whatever she wants.
When is Hershey’s going to do something to protect us?To protect our jobs and our security?They are only worried about saving a few dollars and the embarrassment of a lawsuit! I don’t know about all of you,but I am sick and tired of going to work everyday in an enviorment,that at anytime,this woman could say I did something and I would be out the door.Its us against them and I think we should all rally together and picket for the way our company is letting us down.They resort to these threats of termination if we speak out and there is ABSOLUTELY nothing they can do.We have the freedom of speech.Hersheys is treating us like we don’t matter,all the hard work and dedication that I have invested in that plant over the years is meaningless.They would fire me in a second if they thought it would save their own necks!Showing this man loyality is great,but what else can we do?Do we sit back and watch as the plant we used to be proud of, goes to hell?Do we really want to work in an atmosphere that we are in fear of all the time?I dont care if she is black,white, purple or green…she is no better than any of us,and I will guarantee you all,if the tables were turned and we treated her like that we would be out the door like Bubba is.We can get on here,but do we really mean what we say?I am ready for a fight…a fight to regain our workplace and freedom.Bubbas new website is awesome and we all need to go there and sign onto joining him,instead of waiting in the wings for him to do all the work.He’s brave enough to come out like this and we should too.I say PICKET!All of us!TOGETHER WE CAN GET SOMETHING DONE, or we can continue to come in here day after day and be treated like 2nd class citizens.They can’t fire us all.We can get some attention to this and get Mike and Pauls butts outta of our beloved plant!It will go back to fun and nice place it was instead of feeling like a prison cell for 8 hours of the day!!!!COME ON GUYS!LETS DO THIS!!!NOT FOR BUBBA……..FOR US!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
clearbubbasnamenow.bravehost.com
I personally would love the day to come when I see Paul,Mike and “HER” get walked to the gate.Instead of being on here whining about how we want change,we need to DO IT!
I am not going to leave a comment about the situation because I don’t know every detail. I will ask those who left comments regarding a boycott of Hershey to focus on the effects of such a boycott. A large scale boycott of Hersheys would not cost Paul Puskar or Mike Bietzel their jobs, nor would any upper management feel a pinch. A short term to mid term slow down of sales would effect the temporary employees first, causing lengthy layoffs to those who can ill afford them. A long term effective boycott of Hershey would result in thousands of manufacturing jobs being eliminated and or deported. Even if Puskar and Bietzel lost their jobs as a result they both have the education and resumes necessary to find gainful employment. The ones who it would hurt the most are the hundreds of hourly employees who count on those paychecks to pay for their houses, food, children’s educations, etc.
Their are plenty of other ways to show your support and make a difference. Write a letter to the editor of your local paper, hell, a national paper. Write your local politicians. Keep spreading this story via the internet. Results take time , patients and perseverance. It seems as though Bubba and his supporters may have it.
Also, on another note, if you are angry, frustrated, or annoyed it is fine to say so in a post. Typing in all uppercase letters is incredibly annoying and makes me not care enough to read what you have to write.
bubba u rock man! i know u said u were gonna fight but not like this.i think its awesome that ur doing this.i am pulling for u all the way.u and kim don’t deserve this dude.i dont know 2 better people.u always treated me and everybody good.i hope u get what u deserve.
I think a boycott will hurt the employees but it will also prove a point.Why should we keep lining the pockets of those who would fire us at any point for anything.If no boycott,I agree with the plant wide picket.It may get even better results.We are angry about this and we need to do something for god sakes.the comment that says Bubba shouldn’t do this on his own is absolutely right,what if this was one of us?What would we do?
This is what I have been talking about.And you say your not racists?All of you can stick together,because it makes no difference to me,I have my job…where you working at Bubba?Your wife can run her mouth all she wants and I don’t care if she goes to welfare,I don’t care if your kids are embarrassed.All of you can kiss my black behind,because I will keep on being me.If this happens again you can bet your white asses I will get the next one like I did this one.So,bring it all you bigots who think that the black girl is the bad guy.A white guy saying he’s been discriminated against? BOO HOO! Nobody cares Bubba,so go get on welfare and I will be making my jack at Hersheys and laughing at your white ass.
Hello all,Bubba just got his letter from VEC with the decision on wheither he is eligible for unemployment.We had no idea that he would not be eligible if he was terminated for misconduct,such as a discriminatory act.However,based on the evidence VEC recieved,he was found eligible.The VEC felt that Hersheys didnt provide them with any sufficient proof that Bubba had anything to do with this.The terms used in his termination letter,was found to be unacceptable.Those terms being….”We think…..We believe”.
Now we all know who pays for unemployment benefits…that would be Hersheys,so to save themselves this expense,wouldn’t you think that they would provide any evidence they had that would be incriminating?THEY HAVE NONE! Hersheys is making our lawsuit easier everyday.
I am so glad to see that people are really paying attention to everyone involved and recognizing the effects that this completely unjustified situation has caused to this entire plant and to the other 2 persons who did return to Hershey. They were and still are very good people to be around. Everyone here really enjoyed being around them. Always was gonna get a laugh or a smile from any one of them. People would find reasons just to come back into that kitchen area just to be able to see them. Now we are afraid to go back there because of this woman. They posted the job position that was conveniently taken from Stanley and guess what?, not one person wanted it!! Does this tell you anything? All wanted to be back there and work with these 3 out of 5 people, not any more. 900 people employeed there and not 1 bid on the position. I wish you all the very best in recovering from this situation, and will continue to show my support inside and out of Hershey. I also will boycott Hershey products until some recognition for the hardship caused on these innocent people has been shown.
This is to HAPPY! You’re ignorance and maliciousness is apparent,not only to me, but all the others that may read this as well. I am really in shock,that someone of your caliber and self proclaimed class would actually reveal your true self in this matter. I, too, am HAPPY,I am happy that all can read your ugly comment and for those who didnt have the dispriviledge of knowing you, now do. And,yes,we are having a rough time here financially,but it too shall pass. Because unlike yourself, peace and happiness rule our life, not bitterness and hatred. And you certainly have the talent and the right to laugh your a** off, but we shall see who will be laughing in the end. Because we are surrounded by family and friends who love us and support us unconditionally. You are an ugly person inside and out, and I am sure your friends are scarce. So, please, be my guest, continue posting these obvious racially motivated statements and please continue to alienate everyone,because this sort of thing makes our job easier. At this point,I am not sure who is more ignorant, you or Hershey!
our plant is always been known to be a respectable place in this area to work.i used to tell people i worked here with pride.since the plant manager came in everything has been different.yes,i blame the lady here,but i blame him more.he is rude and hateful to all of us and makes us feel like peons in his presence.when he got here,things changed and upon her arrival here things have changed even more.paycuts and working 7 days a week straight in a place where we are threatened everyday either by her or management.PA needs to know whats going on here in our plant.never have i heard of, an employee….A GOOD EMPLOYEE…losing his or her job over a suspicion, and thats what we have here.actually,i don’t think its even a suspicion,its more like a move to save their butts.if what bubbas wife wrote is true about vec not feeling they had cause,then theres a huge problem here.they wouldnt be giving bubba unemployment if they thought he did this.i know people who have been fired from here and denied benefits for alot less.thats an eye opener.there are 2 bad guys here,her and hershey and we need to do whatever we can to help out bubba and us before its too late.
the almond joy line isnt quite so joyful these days.we miss ya bubba!you were always a pleasure to be around and always wore a smile.i feel so bad for you and your family.i would love to come in one night and see your happy face instead of her bullied looks and loud mouth.they should be ashamed of what they did to you.
This has been going on now for over a month.It feels like a warzone in there.All of us are pretty well pissed about this and know this crap is wrong.I saw one comment i know who wrote it.and she has some nerve to call us racists and bigots.Shes the biggest racist I know.Always crying that someone did her wrong because shes black.If anybody did her wrong,its because she don’t deserve anymore then that.it personally makes me sick to see her in there walking down the hall with that ugly bright red lipstick on thinking shes the new queen of hershey.They did thid crap to shut her up and thats the sad part.they screw up a family to keep some lazy triffling thing like her.Even other black people cant stand her.1 black lady is all she has in there to talk to,thats messed up.900 employees and only 1 like you.Paul Puskar and mike need their asses handed to them for doing something like this.whos next?me?7days a weeks of hell is what that place is now.keep this going bubba.dont give it up.you might save us all from this hell hole.
Like I said earlier,these sort of comments are not appreciated on this site.I have called and left a message with The Augusta Free Press and asked if they would immediately remove it. Bubba and I are NOT stooping to this level and this will not help us at all.Any further comments made like this will also be stricken from this site.Chris,if your reading this,please remove the “spitfire” comment immediately.Granted,this is a heated subject,but we CANNOT make physical threats.
I was employed by hershey for a while, and met bubba on a few occasions and not for one minute do i believe what he is being “accused” of doing.
When this person first came to hershey, on the first night she worked i heard complaints. That should tell you something. To be honest with you, I was hoping i would have a run in with her…. I am white, but my family history is full of discrimination…. My great grandparents and grandparents, aunts, uncles, had to leave there home with nothing but the clothes on their backs because of Hitler!!!! Or be forced to become communists. My uncle was branded by the s.s., put in a labor camp, lucky if he got food everyday.
Bubba, I am praying for you and your family, and yes i am even praying for the woman that started all this, hopefully one day she will see the light and realize what she has done.
I don’t know any of the above people. I do work at Hershey and I have heard all the scoop. I can believe this of Hershey because they have gone sort of crazy in the last year or so. They work you 7 days a week, expect you to live there and then put up with crap like that mean woman. You have no life so these people become your family and no way do you care what race they are. Life is short and this lady needs some medication and a whole lot of time off. Of course Hershey don’t give time off. So all the injustices of the plant goes on. To Bubba and his family, maybe you can get a life now, money isn’t everything. I am so sorry for what Hershey has done to you.
Unfortunately, my stay at Hersheys was short and sweet. I am proud to be Bubba’s sister-in-law and I worked as a Hershey temp also. Ethusiasm and goals can best sum up my excitement over my new position. This came to an end after being encountered by this woman. She made several attempts to engage me on 3rd shift May 31st. I thought it was odd that she chose to bully and intimidate me at this time. I had not engaged in any gossip or discussion re: her plight . My misfortune was being assigned that week to be on a line that is next to hers. It was blatent intimidation and I could tell she relished my startled reactions. I refused to take part in any discussion with anyone about this situation, up until now. I hoped that this fiasco would not effect my temp position. I put my game face on and came to work all the while hurting for Bubba and his family. There are wonderful employees at Hersheys and I had very friendly and comfortable conversations with them and we didn’t discuss this terrible situation. However, my encounter with this woman made sense to me after some sleep and finding out that next evening this letter had been generated and was being circulated around the plant. To this woman’s dissappointment, I smiled and held the door for her . Throughout the night she was watching me on my inspection job, walking several times through an area that definately was not a short cut for her. Once again I gave her a quick smile and continued on my job duties. At the start of my week in this area of the plant I walked to and from the line with other very kind and decent employees. In a matter of a few days I was familar with my work area and was able to go to breaks alone. On that night I had left for break alone and she was following me VERY VERY close as to crowd me. If I had accidently bumped her or shut a door in her face would I be a Racist? This woman was within inches of my being! We all know how long , wide, and vast the halls are. This was blatent bullying from her. My reaction spoke volumes when I turned and only saw red lips and the name on her bumpcap. Too close for my comfort!! I’m sure she wanted to see Bubba’s family member in the office but instead I said “Hello” and held the door while she passed through. I did not return because I felt unprotected from this woman. I saw her boldness and arrogance first hand that night and want no dealings with a person of this character. To those of you who are supporting Bubba and his family, I thank you. He still manages to have that heart-warming smile through this most humiliating and stressful time. To those employees who were so kind and helpful while I was there, thanks also! Too bad 1 bad apple has spoiled the whole place. Hersheys, you have overlooked this woman so long, she is emboldened enough to seek out anyone for her next victim.
What a mess!
Now I’m not taking sides with anyone, and personally I think this needs to stop. If this is going to be handled in court, then let it be. I don’t know Bubba or Hope but I can tell you that there is always two sides to a story and two sides to a person.
I’m sure Bubba is not perfect, and I’m sure Hope is not perfect. As a matter of fact, none of us are perfect!
I’m just kind of curious who this person who wrote the comment from “Happy” on June 7th is?
It sounds like Hope is the person who wrote it, but I personally don’t think she wrote it.
You people have to remember anybody could be anybody on here, so they can say anything to make it look like another person is indeed the one who wrote it.
What person in there right mind would leave such an igorant comment . Think about it.
As a matter of fact, I think all the comments need to stop!
I realize that we have freedom of speech which is why I am commenting, but we all have to realize that there is a time and place for all of these comments and on here I don’t think is the place because this is getting out of hand.
Bubba has been hurt by this, and I’m sure Hope is being hurt by this especially if all of this is not true.
Who’s to say she is guilty, who’s to say he is guilty.
Not all of you people who are judging.
I have notice that the majority of the comments are made againts Hope. It sounds to me, with out even knowing her that she is guilty.
But I’m not going to say she is, I don’t know, just like the majority of the people on here commenting ” don’t know”
Alot of you are going by “just what I heard, but how many are going by, “what you seen.
So I hope I made my point which is, if you don’t know the truth, then don’t comment on what you just heard.
There is a saying that you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover.
If some of you were a book that I was reading, I would defintly put it down and find another book to read and hope to find one titled “How To Stop Predjudice From All Sides” and ‘If Your Not Happy At Where You Work At, How To Find Another Job!
Anyone know where to find these two books at?
Again I’m not taking sides because I don’t know truth, only God knows,and all of you are not God!
I just wanted to say I am with Bubba all the way on this.Hershey needs to do the right thig at this point.Good luck Bubba
I am sorry that this happened to ya Bubba,youre a good guy and a hell of a man.I am glad to see that you are hanging tough with this.guess they didn’t expect this from you,hell,I didnt expect this from ya either.I hope that if this happened to me,I would be doing the same.We cant keep laying down and taking this shit.they got rid of the wrong person and I hope they pay for it.Paul needs his ass out on the curb and she needs to be sitting there beside him.
Keep on keeping on dude,we are behind ya.
I want to know when Corporate is going to step in here and help us get our plant back?The majority of this plant wants Paul gone for his nasty attitude and dirty practices of firing good people to save his own ass.Calling all those meetings threatening us that if we talked, we were fired.Feels like a communist nation in here,it’s ridiculous.We have the right to whistle blow and talk to whoever we want.Who the hell do they think they are?Everyone was at these meetings but this nasty woman was not.Were they scared, she would sue them for threats and intimidation.They put her on some pedestal, and gave her the power to determine all our fates.I used the word aggravated as my name,because I know that i would lose my livlyhood if they knew who I am.I shouldn’t feel that way.So, Hersheys,I will give you a hint…………………………..I am a decent,good,white man with a wife and 2 kids and 1 grandson.Iam not racist and never have been.I see now that the plant that I chose to work at and was always proud of, has let me down,and other employees down.They wont protect us like they would if our my skin was black.Iam dissappointed and shocked that nobody will step up and help this young man and his family.Maybe we should consider a union here.We need somebodies help.If this is being read by corporate, and I am sure it is,considering everybody has copies and from what I hear they will be distributed in the Walmarts on Saturday,I hope that you will come down here and get rid of this riff raff we call a plant manager, and this joke,Mike beitzel, and last but not least the nuisance who started all of this crap.If we don’t get satisfaction soon,I am for the picketing that was mentioned above,And I know several employees who trying to organize as we speak.I will be first in line with a big sign saying……”HERSHEY DISCRIMINATES AGAINST WHITE PEOPLE”.Way to go Bubba,you hang in there.
Bubba needs all of our help here.This could be one of us and with this woman it probably will be.I just visited his wedsite clearbubbasnamenow.bravehost.com.I sent it to all of my friends and told them to keep on passing it to all of theirs.He is doing the right thing.I saw that he is asking for legal defense donations, and I will be the first one.Bubba you got a check for $50.00 coming to you brother.I wish it could be more.Instead of all of writing on here saying we will help in any way,lets just see how many of us really want to help him.This is wrong and Bubba you have my full support.To hell with Hersheys.
I disagree with “looking for a book to read”,surprise,surprise.Some of the points that you made are valid,anger should not be directed only to ‘her’,the majority of the blame goes to Hershey Chocolate.However,when you have stiffled at your place of employment,and threatened to be terminated from your job if you discuss this topic,why not chose this forum?This sort of threat and intimidation in the workplace sparks this anger in employees,even the ones who weren’t involved.So the frustrations that is felt by the people here who ‘dont know’ is justified.There is too much evidence in this case that has been presented here and other places to suggest that ’she’ is a step below somewhat of a ‘black panther’,she sees racism and inequality everywhere she looks.And if you haven’t had the misfortune of being affected by her,then most likely,you too, will have your oppurtunity just like many others already have.All comments and opinions are welcomed here,even negative ones,however one like this is somewhat comical.You don’t sound like an individual that I personally would want to be with on a sinking ship.I want a survivor,a fighter,someone courageous and brave when faced with adversity.Just as you the point that you raised,”if you don’t like your job then quit”,well,if you dont like this admirable forum and its contents,then don’t read it.We think that it’s great that we have the love and support of the majority of the Hershey employees and encourage all the comments to keep coming.And I maybe able to shorten your search for a new book, its called the bible,one verse imparticular:
Proverbs17 verse 17,
“A friend loveth at all times,and a brother is born for adversity.”
No one is passing judgement on this lady,this blog was set up so people can express their opinions and frustrations with the entire story.And if you feel that we and the people here are predjudice,well I will be the first one to stand up for a minority,maybe it is you who is the judge here.
Personally, I would love to be on a sinking ship with you. Come to think of it, If there was only one life jacket, I would give it to you because that’s the kind of person I am.
You don’t know me and it’s a shame you don’t because I can guarantee you would of not made that comment.
I am a survivor, I am courageous and brave and I too have been faced with adversity and continue to but I just pray about it and all things work out.
It may have not worked out just when I wanted it to,
But it did in his due time.
Never once did I say or feel that anyone who made comments on here are predjudice and I’m sorry you feel that way if that is how you took it.
Actually I do like this admirable forum that is why I read it. And one time I didn’t like my job, and I did quit and found something that I was happy at doing.
Yes I took a cut in pay. But I was happy.
You see money isn’t everything , it is the root of all evil, so they say. But don’t get me wrong, I LOVE money.
But I can also be alot happy with less money, as some people are not happy with alot of money, so you see it can work both ways.
No I’m not the judge here and wouldn’t want to be the judge in this case or any other case for that matter.
I love to read the Bible, I read it daily.
I especially love this verse,
Matthew 5: verse 44
I too would stand up for anyone regardless of thier race so you see we do have something in common
and if we were to get on that sinking ship, before it sank we probaly would find out that we have more then just one thing in common .
And just maybe that one life jacket that we only had with us, you would think about given it to me.
But in return, I would throw it back to you because that’s just who and how I am.
Just remember to tell everyone when you get back to shore that there was only one life jacket and it was me that threw it back to you.
I will continue to pray for you and your family as well as all others.
And I honestly do hope things come out in favor of the innocent.
Whoever that is, ” I’m not the judge”
What a bunch of blabbering.This is easy for someone to get on here and say if you dont like your job then quit.Its hard to find another job making the same pay with benefits and especially since some of us have dedicated our life to 1 place and plans to retire from there.We just want a change.We want to be treated fairly.I don’t know exactly what happened that night.I do know Bubba and I know how this woman acts and thats all I need to know.I worked with her for 1 week and it was the longest week of my life.What happened that night makes no difference to me.I know her history and I know how shes constantly accusing someone of being a racist and thats all I need to know for me to form my own opinion.I know that for a whole plant of people to want to stay away from her because of her attitudes that again is all I need to know.And you did say both sides here was predjudice.Read back last paragraph.I know that Bubbas a great person and I know that she is NOT.I know that the guys on the softball team (Majority of the team is black) still wants Bubba to play with them and I know other black employees are backing Bubba on this.This woman has ruined the place that I used to love to work at.And if her employment continues there,we won’t have to worry about quitting,we will fired like Bubba was for looking at her the wrong way and that is wrong.We all the right to get on here and say what we want just like we have the right to be protected by Hersheys.
Call it what you want but I don’t call this blabbering just like what you wrote I won’t call blabbering because this is how you feel, and that is how I feel.
In going back to my last paragraph it said ”
I said I hope to find one titled ” How To Stop Prejudice From All Sides”
It does not say that people on here are prejudice.
Why would I say that about people that I don’t know?
Please accept my deepest apology for your misunderstanding.
I want you to know we miss you greatly Bubba! Work is not the same without you. It is a shame what has happened to you due to this woman’s hate and ignorance! We all know what type of person she is and she couldn’t even come close to being the type of person you are. Hold your head high and keep on fighting for what is right there is a lot of good people to stand behind you on this. No one here thinks one thing bad of you. As for “Looking for a book to read” If you don’t like this site and think the comments need to stop then why are you still posting comments? You also made the statement that you didn’t know Bubba and this woman, but funny thing is this woman’s name has never been mentioned , but yet you knew it. So who are you trying to fool? And as for the other statement you made about you didn’t think she wrote the statement from “HAPPY” that’s just the type of ignorance she has been spilling over with at Hershey’s. I know she wrote this statement because she was bragging about it at work. Now can you see what kind of person we are dealing with here. Real upstanding citizen HUH! Hershey’s needs to wake up and see this woman for what she is and what she’s doing to their decent employees. She’s so proud of what she has done but yet uses a screen name instead of her own name. Is she also so happy to know what the majority of this plant thinks about her. The only person that’s racist and a bigot is her!!
I am still waiting to see if Hersheys actually does something about this mess.You would think that by now they would see that they did the wrong thing.I am praying for Bubbas family.And I hope they keep fighting.
HEY THERE BUBBA I TRIED TO GO TO YOUR WEB SITE BUT I COULD NOT FIND IT… I AM GOING TO TRY AND GET YOUR PHONE # FROM SOME ONE AT WORK AND CALL YOU… ME AND MY OTHER HALF WOULD LOVE TO TAKE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY OUT TO DINNER….
It is no doubt that our plant is now at an all time low. It was once a great place to work. It is now close to being intolerable.
A union is the only thing that can protect us from this arrogant and incompetent management. PA will listen only when the cards are being signed.
United we stand. Save Our Plant
Just thought I would let “me” know as I said before, I admire this forum and the only reason I am commenting back is to let you know that I honestly don’t know her.
Who doesn’t know of this ladies name it’s not like it is being hushed hushed at Hershey’s. And if she was bragging at Hersheys, than yes that was very igorant!
So for now on, I’ll just read the comments cause like I said before I admire this forum and will do all those a favor and not comment about anything.
So please don’t comment to me, or about me.
The lady who was suspended with Bubba (I don’t want to mention her name) has our number.And thank you,it makes tears come to my eyes some days,to get on here and read how many people love and support my husband.He has that personality about him,where he simply has no enemies.
And the website is:
clearbubbasnamenow.bravehost.com
I have been reading this since it was published everyday and I am in shock that comments are still rolling in.I thought that would die down and go away like so many other terrible things at Hersheys have.Apparently,it hasn’t and I don’t see an end in sight.I think that this subject shouldn’t go quietly and I am glad that Bubba isn’t either.This story has been on the lips of employees since it came out and every night more and more discussions of it are taking place.We are really fired up about this,as we all should be.Things like this goes on and everyday,and no one does anything about it,because they feel like a white boy yelling discrimination is not legitimate.Well,I am here to tell you,it is.Hersheys need to step up to the plate here and do something quick,because I sense a mutiny about to take place.our plant is gone to the dogs and they are willing to sit back and watch as long as their pockets keep running deep.SAD SAD SAD.Bubba, don’t back down,our plant is facing a revolution.The first battle fought will be replacing this worthless management we have with people who care more about the human factor then the almighty dollar.I really think its hilarious.Paul walks around here like he’s god almighty himself, he didnt expect this from a good ole country boy.Maybe when he flipped that coin to see would be the fall guy,he should’ve called ‘tails’!LMAO.
When is this picket?I am ready,I have my sign already made.It says….In loving memory of Bubba.Just like the stickers we had made and put on our bumpcaps,that management made us remove because ’she ‘ had a fit.How is that racist?she said we were backing a racist.So we cant talk about this or protest it.Its more or less,:shut up and take it.We are backing bubba and he is no more racist than anyone is.She is the racist here.We dont have any rights.We cant express our anger that they fired a good guy and kept a worthless one instead.they may as well give her an office job,she already takes 1 hour lunches and 45 min breaks like those asses do.while we take 10 min for break and 30 min for lunch.They know she does this too and nobody says anything.WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY?Blacks are entitled to longer breaks then white people?Gimme a damn break.She wears hoops in her ears.the policy is jewerly is forbidden.NOBODY SAYS ANYTHING!Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy?rules are rules.But they dont apply her.I say picket too,i say send this to PA and let them see how paul has ruined this plant.something has gotta change before someone is axed.
I wonder what Milton Hershey would have thought about this mess?I can tell you,I think she would have been fired her first week here,black or not.Just because she is black doesn’t entitle her special priviledges that the rest of the plant doesn’t have.The fact that this entire plant is upset over this should tell them something.People get fired from here all the time.Do you remember at any of thise times, that we responded like this?Hell no.The difference between this termination and all the others is that this is criminally wrong.This was a low down dirty move to save themselves.Really from nothing.The tape didn’t even look like a noose.But they cowered when they were threatened with the NAACP.The head of the NAACP could look at this tape and see it was nothing.But,NO,to avoid any embarrassment,they choose to get rid of somebody to save face.I personally hope that Bubba buries Hersheys and this useless woman.Good luck Bubba.
let’s set up a date. i am ready for a picket also. how about it people? let’s make them do something about this.
Bubba it was good to hear your laugh the other day when we talked. That’s what a lot of us have seemed to miss the most around here since you’ve been gone. It’s good to know that you can still laugh and be the great person you are after all thats happened to you. Just remember you are not alone in all this, we all know what a wonderful person you are and don’t let this ridiculous and unfair accusation change who you are. You have my number feel free to call me anytime if you need anything or just want to talk. Just because you are not at Hershey’s anymore doesn’t mean our friendship has to end. I wish you and your family my best. Keep in touch.
With everything you have been through with these past weeks, I am so sorry your pain has been compounded by the loss of your grandfather Stanley Sr. Things seem to get worse before they are better. Keep your head high and don’t forget you have people who are wishing only the best for you. All you need to do is see the support and prayers that are being submitted in this forum.
Bubba, although we’ve never had the pleasure of meeting, I feel like I know you through all these comments, and I believe you and support you in what you are doing.
I also work at Hershey, 2nd shift, and hadn’t heard anymore about this unfortunate, ridiculous incident for several weeks, and the other day a co-worker gave me this website to check out, and now I’ve passed it along as well.
Everyone needs to hear the whole story and just what is and what is not going on in that place.
I have been at Hershey for 6 years and have never seen or heard anything as unfair and wrong as this.
When I read your story, I got fired up, and I knew that if I had been in your shoes, I would be doing the exact same thing!
People on here are not lying or exaggerating when they say the place is going to hell since Paul came in as our plant manager! He’s very rude and disrespectful to us out on the floor, but when we have our quarterly meetings, and he’s in front of the rest of the staff, he acts like he’s interested in what we think or have to say, but we are not fooled!
I have said from day one of him coming to our plant, that he is a closer! Meaning, he is actually there to eventually shut us down like he did the last 2 plants he ‘managed’.
Not to get off track, but we are dealing with a very selfish and inconsiderate man, who is looking out only for himself!
You are doing the right thing, stay strong and charge forward!
We are all here behind you and we hope you sue the pants off of Hershey and then ‘her’ too.!!!
We all need to join together and help this family out. This could be you. Ever think of how easily this could happen? We need to stand up and help raise these legal fees as much as we can. I have visited the website and almost 1,000 people have already viewed it. If each person just sent in a dollar or two, this money could be easiily raised. We can all afford that. I am sending in $100.00 myself. I am not loaded but I believe in this person we all come to know and he deserves our help. He is a good man, we all know it and for those of you who haven’t met him I hope that one day you can, until then, let’s do what we can . For those of you who are having trouble getting to this website, run it under Google.
Hang in there Bubba,were still here for ya through all of this.Youre a great person it will all work out.
Okay, today I am feeling IRATE!Someone who is very close to me (family) quit her job at Hershey because this same vindictive woman harrased her relentlessly.She went to Lori,who sent her to Tony M (who were both very nice about this) they eventually sent her to see Mike,telling her that she needed to report this harassment.She did have a meeting with Mike,who was his cold,abrasive self.She explained what this woman was doing and how she wanted to continue her employment and even though she is our family,had no intention of letting it affect her work.Mike response was basically,”we will do an investigation”.Now for those of you who are keeping count,thats alot of complaints on 1 individual.AND STILL NOTHING!This woman has the power to get any of you at any time fired.Thats alot of power.And guess who has given her that power and supremcy?You know its funny,just when I feel like I have heard enough,I hear something else.Hurricane Kim is about to blow through the gates of Hershey.Now,I want satisfaction for my husband and my family.We will see you in Federal court Mike and Paul.You best bring your game,because you will need it.And enough with your pitiful investigations, Mike.We know that they are a big joke just like you and Paul.Hows the investigation into the ‘white trash’ graffiti going?Anyone get fired yet?No,because Hersheys wont fire or disipline a minority employee,they are to scared.Hersheys you better get out your checkbook.
hershey is going down down down… they need to send Paul back to CA. and send “HER” back to where ever she came from… She makes me sick to even look at… and Paul is just like her.. I have not had anything to do with this mike guy but i am sure he is not much better… what is happend to our plant it was a great place to work.. any one of us could be next…
Hang in there Bubba. We are still here for you and your family
I have worked at Hersheys for a long time and things have definately changed over the years. Not all for the good but we have to change sometimes whether we like it or not. I don’t know Bubba but reading the comments i feel he has been shafted. I feel sorry for the lady who feels discriminated against over everything.I know her life can’t be a very happy one.I can only pray that God will give her peace with herself one day. There have been lots of situations at Hershey over the years.Some funny,some suprising, some confusing. It’s funny and sad how people do things to lose a job that pays their bills. But there are people in this world like that, they make bad decisions. I don’t think Bubba did this and it was a bad decision on Hershey “management” to fire him like they did. I think the comments are great but Bubba and Kim,some of the comments you make seem incriminating to me. I would be careful what you write even though i know how upset you all are. I would be too. But i don’t want to see you hurt yourselves in a court case for things that get out of hand on this site, if you know what i mean. I pray for Bubba and his family and i hope he finds a better job than at Hershey. I also want to make a point about when people say we need to boycot Hersheys. I and others, the good folk at Hershey, yes there are a lot of us, need our jobs too. It is our livlihood,it pays our bills for now. I know i need my job so please people don’t take it out on the innocent employees that have absolutely nothing to do with what happened.
Again Bubba and Kim I hope you get what your out to get and I pray for your family. Take care.
I worked for the Hershey plant in Oakdale California for many years. Things like this would happen at the plant..We had a few people always playing the race card hispanic’s,whites and blacks. And the ones who would cry discrimination would be the one’s who always caused the problems in the area. And for us co-workers we had to put up with all the crap they would dish out day after day. Yeah we also had our meetings with HR, we’d end up the bad guys when the others would be treated like they owned a piece of Hershey. Also getting away with safety issues,long breaks and potty mouths. Paul was our plant manager . Now look. They shut us down and moved to Mexico. Bubba, I don’t know you. Good luck and be blessed. Feeling your pain in California.
well, now the rumor is that Paul will be leaving our plant and going to Mexico, and although they haven’t made the official announcement yet, we all believe it to be true, and it can’t come soon enough! Then maybe we can get our plant back to order and we can all focus on doing our jobs with pride again.
i hope this is true that Paul will be going to Mexico. I hope they make room for Mike Bietzel right beside him. What destruction he created. Noone should have lost their job and noone should have been disciplined for it either. She should have been sent to discrimination classes. she was the one uncomfortable back there with the white people. Why? She has the insecurity with her own color and race-they didn’t. Thank you to CALIFORNIA employee. Glad word is spreading that far. Please elaborate on any issues you think may help out here in VA.
Le’s remember that when a company brings in new management that they are under normally atleast a 5 year contract at entry. so, Hershey company is stuck with them also, but can relocate them. It’s all normally in what they want to do about it. This is true with most companies, Hershey I am sure is similar.
There were three hispanic sisters who worked as santation relief in KWA who would never do there work and .the Supervisor finally called them on it. So the sisters filed discrimination….The supervisor was suspended and when he returned he was still there supervisor , BUT he could never again tell them what jobs to do or even speak to them after that. And the sisters got paid to just walk around all day with smurky smiles on their faces ……Go figure.
Hello, to all the good workers at stuarts draft , just in case no one has told you folks that in a while.Reason I say that is , I know who your manager they have there favoites and rule by fear talk the talk ,but walk the talk was not part of the deal. I’m out here in cali one of our big issues was morale was kept low ,why to this day i still can’t figure it out .One thing I do know is that each boss always wanted someone that wasn’t sharp under them they were afraid of challenge for lack of knowledge on there part ,in which streamline evolutionary devlopment stops.The first indacation that this is true is that the bearings of morale are rusty how anyone can not know less resistance takes less energy is failing the most simple of tests .People can get hurt when thing such as morale are affected call ins its all negitive so how can someone atop the hills judgement be taken seriously..By the way good luck Bubba and his family and the rest of you all, safety in numbers and promotions with-in.
hey there Bubba! Where are you man? What’s going on? Hope that you have found a better job, and thatthings are going well for you. Just to let people know-Mr. Puskar is not going to Mexico. Just a hopeful rumor that got started. But manager Jim Wade left after 20+ yaers to McKee Foods. T.G. got shafted to 2nd shift. Glenn has retired and left. And Diane gave up her position as manager to go back on the production lines. WOW!!!!!!!!! What changes-and drastic ones. Wonder why???????? Are they seeing it too?
still wondering how things are going for you. haven’t been any new updates on your website since August . would be great to know how you are. we’re still here for you.
seen bubba? or know why have they stopped talking on here? have they had their internet service shut down?
i seen bubba at kroger about a month ago or so. he was picking kim up from work there. i have been back there and asked for her but they said she quit her job. haven’t seen them since.