Black LGBTQ workers at Hostess claim discrimination

Upset after union pulled grievance complaint

By ANKUR SINGH Contributing Reporter

On June 15, 2022, Danyell Wallace went punch in for her shift at the Hostess factory in the Galewood neighborhood of Chicag When she walked in for what she thought was a nor mal shift, she said she was told by security guard that Human Resources wanted to see her

She was ter minated for taking excess break time.

Wallace, who identifies as transgender, other Black LGBTQ workers who are members of the organization Black Workers Matter accusing the company of discrimination based on their gender identity

According to Black Workers Matter, addition to Wallace, four other workers were fired in 2022. This comes as the sweets company has been publicizing its work around diversity equity and inclusion, with a report released in June and the creation of a new inclusion committee.

Hostess did not respond to a request for comment.

“I know I was singled out [for my identity],” Wallace said. “I was upset. I was ticked.”

Wallace says she experienced harassment after she used a single stall woman’s bathroom where she feels safer and more comfortable