Overview
- A veteran Ford electrician was accused of stealing a $1.95 cookie after surveillance appeared to show a failed payment and Ford terminated him following a labor‑office meeting.
- The disputed purchase took place on May 9, when the employee says one kiosk flashed a failed transaction and he used a second machine before returning to work.
- After he sent bank screenshots on May 20, Ford asked for notarized records, contacted Aramark to check the kiosk system, and then told him he could be reinstated with back pay.
- The worker declined to return, saying the experience destroyed his trust, and told reporters he received two checks totaling about $28,000 for lost wages.
- The episode highlights recurring reports of kiosk errors, Aramark’s role in investigations, and pressure on unions and Ford to change procedures so employees are suspended during payment probes rather than immediately fired.