A Ford electrician who was fired after an accusation involving a $1.95 package of cookies is considering legal action after the company later offered him reinstatement and back pay.
Kurt Kromm, 60, says he worked at a Ford plant in Kentucky for 11 years before being terminated in May. The company initially accused him of taking a package of Grandma’s Chocolate Chip Cookies from an Aramark self-service kiosk without paying.
Kromm disputes the allegation and says he believed the purchase had gone through. After the company reviewed additional information, Ford offered him a return-to-work agreement and $33,000 in back pay, but Kromm declined the offer and hired an attorney.
Allegation
The incident began during an overnight shift at the Ford facility, where Kromm used an Aramark-operated self-service kiosk.
According to reports, employees accused him of taking a package of cookies valued at $1.95 without completing payment. Kromm said he did not intentionally take anything without paying and believed the transaction was successful.
He explained that he has diabetes and experienced a drop in blood sugar during the shift. He said the situation left him confused and that he purchased the cookies because he needed something quickly.
Kromm said the payment terminal initially displayed a red message before appearing to process normally when he used his card.
Termination
About a week after the incident, Kromm was informed that he was being terminated for cause.
He said he was escorted from the facility before he had a chance to fully understand the accusation or investigate the payment issue.
Later, Kromm reviewed his records and provided a bank statement that he says showed the payment had been completed.
After reviewing the information, Ford offered him a reinstatement letter along with $33,000 in back pay.
Lawsuit
Kromm rejected the offer and chose to pursue legal advice instead.
His attorney, J. Will Huber, said the theft accusation was incorrect and that evidence showing payment was available to both Ford and Aramark.
Huber said the legal team is reviewing possible claims, including allegations related to defamation. He argued that Kromm’s reputation was affected because he was accused of theft even though records supported his explanation.
The attorney said neither Ford nor Aramark has issued a public correction regarding the accusation.
Company
Ford has not commented specifically on the pending legal matter but acknowledged concerns related to some Aramark kiosk operations.
The company said it was aware of reported issues with kiosk functionality in limited cases and that it was working with Aramark to review those situations.
The dispute raises questions about how workplace investigations handle technology errors, employee intent, and disciplinary decisions.
Union
Kromm also expressed disappointment with the United Auto Workers union, saying he expected stronger support during the dispute.
He said unions should help protect workers when companies make serious accusations without fully reviewing available evidence.
The UAW did not provide a detailed response but said it would examine the situation.
Similar
Kromm’s case is not the only complaint involving self-service workplace kiosks.
Former Ford employee Nick Nabozny has also said he lost his job after being accused of taking crackers from a similar kiosk. It is unclear whether Nabozny plans to pursue legal action.
The situations have drawn attention to questions about automated payment systems and how companies respond when transaction problems occur.
Outcome
The next steps will depend on whether Kromm and his legal team decide to formally file a lawsuit and what claims they pursue.
The dispute could continue through court proceedings or private negotiations between the involved parties.
For now, the case centers on whether a workplace termination over a small purchase was justified and whether the company’s response properly considered the available evidence.
FAQs
Why was Kurt Kromm fired?
He was fired over an alleged unpaid cookie purchase.
How much were the cookies worth?
The cookies were worth $1.95.
Did Ford offer reinstatement?
Yes, Ford offered reinstatement and $33,000 back pay.
Why is Kromm considering a lawsuit?
He disputes the theft claim and is exploring legal options.
What was the kiosk issue?
Some kiosks reportedly had payment functionality problems.
