'We Fear For Our Lives' Due To Coronavirus: Diversi-Pak Workers

WEST CHICAGO, IL — Diversi-Pak workers say they fear for their lives, telling Patch via a translator that there have been at least 16 workers infected with the new coronavirus at the West Chicago factory. The employees, who spoke with Patch under the condition of anonymity, said, "There has not been any kind of cleaning or disinfection of this company" since the first employee was diagnosed in mid-May.

Employees told Patch that the first employee was diagnosed around May 12 or 13. Affected employees have been furloughed for two weeks without pay, they said, but many are returning Monday.

Don't miss updates about precautions in the West Chicago area as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

“We are afraid for our health right now, and we’re not sure if they have been fully treated," one employee told Patch.

The workers Patch spoke with said one woman's coronavirus case was so bad that she had to be intubated. They say the woman was working at the plant until the symptoms were severe. By the time she was symptomatic and tested, employees say she had an advanced case of coronavirus.

“They claimed in the office [that they] can’t force anyone to go take the test," a Diversi-Pak employee said. "We’re being told to bring our own masks and our own gloves," the workers added.

According to the Diversi-Pak employees, some symptomatic people are being sent home without pay and some are not. Employees said that those who want to stay home because they are not feeling well or are afraid to come to work are being told "If we stay home there is no guarantee for our job."

Employees from Diversi-Pak have reached out to Casa DuPage Workers Center to demand that Diversi-Pak close its doors for two weeks to clean and disinfect the plant, while paying workers. They are also asking that all workers be tested for coronavirus.

It's “safe to say there’s an emergency here," the workers said, adding, "There just needs to be a pause right here and get this company clean.”

Cristobal Cavazos of Casa DuPage Workers Center told Patch Diversi-Pak, which has about 80 employees, is made up of nearly all Latino workers. He said Latinos are disproportionately affected by coronavirus. Cavazos said, "The case at Diversi-Pak makes very clear why Latinos are getting sick and it’s at the workplace.”

The workers, who were afraid of retaliation from the company added, "We are scared. We are worried. We fear for our lives."

Diversi-Pak did not immediately respond to a voicemail request for comment or confirmation about coronavirus cases at the plant.

Also on Patch:

Illinois Coronavirus Update May 29: 117,455 Cases, 5,270 Deaths

Kroehler Family YMCA Closes Permanently Amid Coronavirus Crisis

Wheaton To Close Part Of Hale Street For Outdoor Dining