The officers of Mina Foods qualify for this report because my wife and I almost lost our house because of what these slimeballs did to me!
Back in February I was hired by Mina Foods as a Night-shift Warehouse Supervisor. I have over 20 years experience in distribution, 10 years within a managerial capacity.in addition, I also hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. Quite simply, I was qualified for the position.
My first night on the job, I noticed a young boy, 10 or 12-years-old, filling orders. First of all, this was the THIRD shift. What was this child doing out of the house at this hour? Second, a warehouse, with various material-handling equipment present, is NOT the type of environment for a child.
I mentioned to my supervisor, Keith Roberts, "If this child gets hurt or, God forbid, killed, there is going to be big trouble." Roberts just shrugged and said "The owner (Peter Mitas) looks upon it as free labor." When I mentioned such agencies as OSHA and the Department of Labor, Roberts just glared at me. Not surprisingly, Roberts' attitude toward me became cold, to say the least.
The following week, Roberts called me into his office to inform me that he was letting me go. The reason? I lack warehousing experience. Of course, he was lying through his teeth.
The following morning, I went into the office of Peter Mitas, the owner. I told him that Keith had laid me off, and that I wanted a pink slip. The owner never heard of a pink slip! When I explained to him why I needed a pink slip, he became belligerent, saying "That's not right... You only worked here for a week!" He even challenged me, "If you try to file, I'll see YOU at the unemployment office!"
True to his word, Mitas did contest my filing for unemployment benefits.in the meantime, following procedure, a hearing was scheduled. As result, any compensation is held pending the decision of the DOL referee. This placed a GREAT financial burden on me. Apparently, Mitas did not seem to care that I have certain obligations: children to feed, a mortgage to pay, etc.
Much to Mitas' consternation, I was awarded unemployment benefits (after a month!). The main issue remains that Peter Mitas and Keith Roberts broke the law and I paid the price. Reporting these two slimeballs to the proper authorities might prove to be an opening of Pandora's box. Of course, it is my word against theirs. They would be the first to cry, "He has an ax to grind!"
In conclusion, I want to point out that I am ready for ANYTHING they throw at me. As for their fate? What goes around comes around.
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