At least four additional Ford employees have reportedly been dismissed for allegedly taking snacks from self-checkout kiosks at Ford factories. This situation has escalated since an electrician claimed he was fired over a $1.95 package of cookies, which later turned out to be paid for.
Nick Nabozny, who worked at Ford’s Michigan assembly plant for nearly nine years, faced termination after being accused of leaving with a bag of Doritos and cheesy Ritz crackers. Ford maintained he didn’t complete the payment, according to reports from local media.
Nabozny, 38, believed the self-checkout kiosk had processed his debit card when it beeped and flashed a confirmation on the screen.
Three employees from the Michigan State House, who were also accused of snack theft, have been reinstated following an investigation.
During a meeting with Ford executives on April 27, Nabozny viewed surveillance footage from earlier that month showing an incident at a self-checkout market towards the end of his overtime shift.
“I asked, ‘What did you steal?'” he recounted to the media.
The union representative indicated, “We’re showing you on camera stealing food from the market.” Nabozny replied, “I’ve never stolen anything in my life. Why would I jeopardize my family’s livelihood over food when I can afford it?”
Nabozny explained, “I picked up a Milky Way, looked at the ingredients, and returned it,” emphasizing he earns $40 an hour.
Another employee, Brendan Fluker, voiced frustrations regarding the malfunctioning Aramark kiosks, citing issues like failed transactions and double charges.
This recent wave of terminations has led Ford and Aramark to assess the self-service kiosks used in U.S.-based factories, as some workers are claiming the kiosks inaccurately labeled them as thieves.
Neither Ford nor Aramark has commented specifically on the incidents.
Ford mentioned knowing about “issues raised regarding kiosk functionality” and is reviewing these concerns.
Aramark echoed this, stating they are “reviewing the case in question” and aim to maintain “integrity and accountability” in their operations.
These developments emerged shortly after Kurt Krom, a 60-year-old electrician fired from Ford’s Kentucky truck plant, recounted being let go for not paying for a $1.95 package of cookies. Krom, who is diabetic, reported a drop in his blood sugar during his shift, prompting his purchase at the kiosk.
Krom shared that after attempting payment, a red error appeared on the terminal, leaving him uncertain if the transaction went through. Following termination, he discovered through bank records that he had, in fact, paid.
Upon providing Ford with proof of the payment, he was reinstated and awarded about $33,000 in back wages, although he declined to return.
Krom has now engaged a Kentucky attorney to pursue actions against Ford and Aramark.
The media has reached out to Nabozny, Fluker, and the United Auto Workers union for comments on these events.
