Uline, a prominent office supply company based in Wisconsin, has come under scrutiny for its controversial labor practices involving workers from Mexico. Through a "shuttle program," Uline brought Mexican workers to its U.S. warehouses, where they were paid significantly less than their American counterparts. Despite working under challenging conditions, these workers earned a mere $38 per day plus a weekly bonus, while U.S. employees received hourly wages ranging from $25 to $35. This program, which involved the use of tourist and B1 visas intended for temporary professional training, mostly targeted the company's warehouses in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.
The shuttle program allowed Uline to transfer workers from its Mexican warehouses to those in the United States. However, the legality of this practice has been questioned, as the visas used were not designed for regular employment. The Mexican workers endured harsh environments, including frigid warehouse temperatures, without appropriate protective clothing. Reports indicate that management prohibited them from wearing hats or gloves, even when temperatures dropped to single digits.
“They weren’t allowed to wear hats or gloves of any kind, because the manager said it broke code.”
“There were times, in winter in Wisconsin, when it’s single digits at night,”
“And if they got caught wearing them, they were told to take them off. If they were caught a second time, they were told to go home and then wouldn’t come back.”
“They did not treat them like human beings.”
These harsh conditions drew criticism from former Uline workers who witnessed or experienced the treatment firsthand. One former employee described the situation as "worse than any job I have ever seen in my life," emphasizing the severe cold the workers had to endure without adequate protection.
“I told him I didn’t care and to write me up because it was -6. It didn’t even make sense. It is unethical,”
“Worse than any job I have ever seen in my life,”
“You would see their hands, they could barely move their fingers and they had to work through it. They couldn’t just stop and take a break,”
Despite these challenges, Uline's shuttle program continued to operate, relying heavily on temporary contracted staff, predominantly Hispanic workers, who were provided only with a vest bearing the Uline logo and daily food expenses. The arrangement raised concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable workers who were paid a fraction of the wages earned by U.S. employees.
Uline is a significant player in the office supply industry, boasting 13 distribution centers across North America and employing over 9,000 people. In 2024, the company reported $8 billion in revenue. However, its reliance on temporary workers through a Wisconsin-based agency has raised ethical questions regarding labor practices.
The company's permanent warehouse staff wore a uniform consisting of a red Uline polo shirt, blue zip-up jacket, blue work pants, and single-color shoes. In contrast, temporary workers faced different treatment and expectations.
Uline's founders, Dick and Liz Uihlein, are known for their substantial contributions to conservative political causes. As billionaire mega-donors, they have supported right-wing candidates and causes with tens of millions of dollars. During the 2024 election cycle, the Uihleins collectively donated $130 million in support of Donald Trump.
“In reality, “we did the same work we do here in [Mexico],”
The controversy surrounding Uline's shuttle program and labor practices highlights broader issues within the industry regarding the treatment of temporary and immigrant workers. The company's approach raises questions about ethical labor practices and compliance with visa regulations.