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Factory Staff Claim They Could Have Been Fired If They Left As Tornado Struck

Factory Staff Claim They Could Have Been Fired If They Left As Tornado Struck

Eight people from the factory died and 74 people across Kentucky killed

At least four night-shift workers say that they faced being fired if they had left early during the fatal Kentucky tornado that killed eight people at the candle factory.


However, the company has denied all allegations of staff not being allowed to leave during the storm which has left 74 people dead across the state.

"It's absolutely untrue," said Bob Ferguson, a spokesman for the company.

"We've had a policy in place since Covid began. Employees can leave any time they want to leave and they can come back the next day.

"Those protocols are in place and were followed."

According to the Daily Mail, workers say they were told 'no' as the deadly Kentucky tornado was fast approaching their factory.

McKayla Emery, 21 told NBC News that workers were first asked to leave the candle factory just after sirens sounded at around 5:30 pm.

Google

She said: "People had questioned if they could leave or go home.

"If you leave, you're more than likely to be fired."

Emery claims to have overheard managers tell four fellow workers to stay.

She added: 'I heard that with my own ears.

"I kid you not, I heard a loud noise and the next thing I know, I was stuck under a cement wall.

"I couldn't move anything. I couldn't push anything. I was stuck."

Mark Saxton, 37, drives the factory forklift and said he was given no option to leave.

He said: "That's the thing. We should have been able to leave. The first warning came, and they just had us go in the hallway.

"After the warning, they had us go back to work. They never offered us to go home. 

'It hurts, cause I feel like we were neglected."

TODAY

A statement from the CEO Troy Propes read: "Our Mayfield, Kentucky facility was destroyed December 10, 2021, by a tornado, and tragically employees were killed and injured.

"We’re heartbroken about this, and our immediate efforts are to assist those affected by this terrible disaster.

"Our company is family-owned and our employees, some who have worked with us for many years, are cherished.

"We’re immediately establishing an emergency fund to assist our employees and their families.

"We’re grateful to the first responders who heroically assisted our employees following the storm.

"And, we’re thankful for those who are generously offering to assist us.

"Your prayers are needed and appreciated."

LADbible have contacted MVP Group International for comment.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: US News, World News