What’s the longest shift you’ve ever worked? Three doubles in a row? Maybe a week on call?
Try staying at work for 28 days, as employees at a factory in Pennsylvania just did. They worked the extra-long hours to make vital healthcare supplies for the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The employees work at Braskem America.
This manufacturing plant in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania (near Philadelphia) manufactures polypropylene. This is an essential material right now, as it’s used to make personal protective equipment including N95 masks and hospital gowns.
The workers shut themselves in for nearly a month.
More than 40 employees volunteered for the extra-long shift. They decided to live at the factory during the 28 days in order to limit the possibility of transmitting the virus.
Crews worked long hours.
They weren’t on the clock for 28 days straight, but in addition to living in the factory, they worked 12-hour shifts. These were punctuated with occasional shows of support from the community, as residents and family members waved signs to show their support.
Finally, their shift has ended.
A line of employees formed to clock out, ending what’s likely to be the most memorable work shift any of them will ever experience. They were clearly grateful to finish up and go home.
Weary workers waved at reporters.
A local TV station covered the end of their shift, capturing Braskem America employees leaving the factory they’d called home for the past month. According to reports, they’ll all get a week off before returning to work.
There was plenty to pack up.
If you’re going to live in a factory for a month, you’ll need creature comforts. Employees were seen bagging up sleeping bags, fans and duffle bags full of the necessities.
It’s a cool story.
Essential workers come in all sorts of different forms. We need doctors, and doctors need protective equipment. Let’s hear it for the employees of Braskem America!
h/t: 6 ABC Action News
