Ford looks to hire back worker it wrongly accused of stealing a $1.95 cookie — but he refuses
Ford has extended an invitation to a veteran electrician it wrongly accused of stealing a $1.95 cookie to return to work. However, the worker has declined the offer, citing a lack of apology following the incident.
The incident took place at Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Ky. during the early hours of May 9 when Kurt Kromm attempted to purchase two Grandma’s Chocolate Chip Cookies for $1.95 at an Aramark self-checkout kiosk.
Kromm, who had been repairing robots and automated equipment at the plant for 11 years, encountered a payment issue at the kiosk. Despite his attempts to make the payment, he was later accused of stealing the cookie based on surveillance footage.
After being fired for the alleged theft, Kromm gathered evidence to prove his innocence, including bank records showing the payment transaction. Ford eventually offered to reinstate him with full back pay, but Kromm declined the offer due to emotional distress caused by the incident.
Kromm expressed his disappointment with the lack of apology from the company and his inability to trust them after the ordeal. Despite the financial compensation and opportunity to return to his job, he felt it was best to move on.
The case, initially reported by journalist Phoebe Wall Howard’s Substack newsletter Shifting Gears, highlighted the need for companies to handle such situations with more care and diligence.
Despite the company’s attempt to rectify the situation, Kromm’s trust in Ford and the union was irreparably damaged. He emphasized the importance of giving employees a fair chance to clarify misunderstandings before taking drastic actions.
As Kromm continues to seek closure and justice for the wrongful accusation, the incident serves as a cautionary tale for companies and employees alike.
The Post has reached out to United Auto Workers for comment on the matter, and Kromm remains determined to hold all parties involved accountable for their actions.
