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On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene slammed
into Impact Plastics in Irwin,
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Tennessee.
And the subsequent flooding claimed 6 victims
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who were among the employees working at the
plant despite a state of emergency issued by
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the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency the
previous day.
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Impact Plastics is facing lawsuits from at
least one family following claims that workers
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were not allowed to leave despite worsening
conditions, allegations the company denies.
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The company is now.
Facing additional scrutiny after an act of good
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faith is being called a quote slap in the face
by the victims’ families.
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According to WSMV when Impact Plastics sent
final paychecks to families,
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they included $100 in gift cards to McDonald’s,
Walmart, and Pals,
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an area fast food chain.
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Some family members say the gesture added
insult to injury.
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Guillermo Mendoza, whose mother Bertha died at
the factory,
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said, quote, It was like, Your mom died, but go
get a burger.
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The cards were also sent to employees who lived
through the incident.
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Some were also disturbed by the gift.
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Luke Winer, an attorney representing the
victims, called the gesture a slap in the face.
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Impact Plastics did not immediately respond to
our request for comment.
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I’m David Manti.
This is manufacturing now.