XPO Logistics confirmed it is closing a Memphis facility in June, laying off more than 400 employees.
As Local 24 News has reported, the warehouse in question has been fielded complaints of sexual harassment and dangerous working conditions.
“It’s the way they treat the people,” said Lakeisha Nelson. “They ran this place like it was their personal plantation.”
Nelson has worked for XPO Logistics for five years. She’s a whistleblower, one of a handful of employees who filed complaints against the company.
“I wanted more than anything to make this place a better place for people to work in,” said Nelson, “not to shut it down.”
Documents obtained by Local 24 News show complaints range from sexual harassment by supervisors to HR ignoring concerns. We also learned six women blamed their miscarriages on working conditions at the warehouse. The women said managers ignored notes from doctors, requesting they not lift heavy boxes. Workers also claimed they were suffering from exhaustion from working long shifts with no air conditioning in the summer.
“We’re putting in our hard work, blood, sweat, and tears for this company,” said Nelson. ” We’re not getting anything in return, no dignity, no respect”
XPO Logistics denied the operations shutdown at facility located at 4895 Citation Drive had anything to do with the complaints.
“XPO has a strict no retaliation policy in place that applies to the company as well as individuals,” said a company spokesperson. “We encourage employees to voice concerns – including anonymously – without any fear of reprisal.”
As for the closure, XPO Logistics said it was a decision by its customer, Verizon.
“Our customer has made a business decision and as a result this facility will close in June. Our presence in the Memphis community remains strong, and we have new jobs available for the majority of these employees in our 11 other local facilities. We’re also opening a new facility in Memphis later this year, which will create approximately 80 new jobs.”