Essential Employees Lived in Factory for 28 Days

More than 40 workers voluntarily lived and worked at a factory for almost a month in order to help fight coronavirus. Braskem America produces the raw material polypropylene, which is essential for personal protective equipment such as N95 masks, medical gowns, sanitary wipes, and more. When the virus first hit and hospitals across the country were pleading for more equipment, dozens of volunteers stepped up. They ate, slept, lived and worked in the factory for 28 days straight, switching off every 12 hours. Finally, on Sunday, they were able to punch out and return home. The company said the decision to create a live-in rotation was to “help ensure the health and safety of our team members who are working as an essential service throughout this crisis.” Workers were paid increased wages and provided with items such as beds, on-site kitchens, groceries, electronics and more. Friends and family members were also allowed to drive by and honk their horns or wave to show support.