CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — Amidst allegations of anti-union practices, safety violations, and discrimination, one of the Scioto Valley’s major manufacturers, Sofidel, finds itself embroiled in controversy.
The Guardian began an investigation in July 2023, after several employees reached out, claiming a disturbing pattern of behavior within the Italian toilet paper manufacturer.
Workers at the facility have voiced concerns about alleged unsafe working conditions and the company’s resistance to union representation, prompting multiple formal complaints 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 an anonymous employee.
Advocates for workers’ rights argue that employees should have the freedom to collectively address safety concerns without fear of reprisal or intimidation. However, several employees at the Circleville facility claim that plant managers have openly threatened them against unionization efforts.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has conducted investigations into Sofidel, revealing safety violations. In 2019, an employee sustained a severe hand injury while attempting to clear a paper jam, resulting in hospitalization. More recently, Sofidel’s Circleville facility faced fines exceeding $77,000 for multiple serious OSHA violations in November 2022.
A letter leaked to Guardian sheds light on the company’s reported anti-union stance. With the sites supervisor warning employees about the perceived pitfalls of union representation, emphasizing that unions “cannot guarantee a single thing.”
Furthermore, employees provided images of anti-unionization signs within the Circleville facilty.
The United States National Labor Relations Board has received multiple complaints against Sofidel over the past two years. Allegations range from a refusal to bargain with unions to threatening disciplinary actions against employees advocating for unionization. Some of these complaints remain under investigation, while others have been closed pending appeals by the charging parties.
A former employee at the Circleville plant alleged mistreatment based on their sexual orientation. Despite being open about their identity, the employee said they faced hostility from supervisors and human resources, ultimately resulting in termination.
The Guardian has reached out to the company for comment, but as of press time, we have yet to hear back from them.