CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — In the heartland of America, an unexpected crisis has unfolded within the seemingly innocuous world of toilet paper production.
Sofidel, a prominent manufacturer operating in central Ohio, has found itself enmeshed in a complex web of serious allegations involving labor rights violations and safety breaches. Workers at the facility have stepped forward to speak about the company’s practices, resulting in ten formal complaints lodged with the National Labor Relations Board. “These employees have a right to organize for safer working conditions. Without being bullied, harassed, threatened, and fired,” said one employee who wished to remain anonymous out of fear of possible retaliation.
The most recent complaint, in May, only adds to the growing litany of accusations leveled against Sofidel. An alarming eight of these cases are related to unfair labor practices, while two specifically center on concerns surrounding union representation.
A disconcerting pattern has emerged within the facility, plagued by multiple fires and workplace injuries. This raises legitimate questions about the adequacy of safety protocols in place and casts doubt on the company’s commitment to the well-being of its workforce.
Amid these mounting allegations, workers are advocating for the right to union representation and the ability to collectively address safety concerns without fear of reprisal or intimidation. These advocates assert that employees should be empowered to freely express their concerns and demand improvements without jeopardizing their livelihoods.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has undertaken numerous investigations into Sofidel, unearthing a disquieting history of safety violations. In 2019, an employee suffered an embolism on their hand while attempting to clear a paper jam from a Gambini Rewinder Machine using a compressed air gun. The severity of the injury resulted in hospitalization, and OSHA imposed a fine of $5,304 against the company for this violation.
More recently, in November 2022, Sofidel’s Circleville facility was cited for multiple serious OSHA violations, attracting a substantial penalty exceeding $77,000. Nevertheless, the company has chosen to challenge these findings, adding further complexity to an already troubling situation.
Despite the gravity of these allegations and ongoing investigations, Sofidel has thus far remained reticent, declining to release an official statement.
The seriousness of the situation has not eluded the attention of labor rights advocates, safety organizations, and concerned citizens who demand transparency and immediate action from Sofidel.
A glimpse into past cases filed against Sofidel reveals a recurring pattern of conflict, with some complaints eventually dismissed due to insufficient evidence, while others were withdrawn or resolved through the company’s compliance. Nevertheless, the persistence of unresolved and open cases indicates a systemic issue requiring urgent attention.
We have reached out to the company for a response, but as of yet, our request for comment remains unanswered.
