From the "You Just Can't Make This Stuff Up" Department:
Employees of the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, KY have been limited to four bathroom breaks per 8 1/2 hour shift.
Extra trips to the bathroom can result in reprimands. Workers with six violations can be fired.
The United Food and Commercial Workers local said some of the 100 affected employees have urinated on themselves because they were afraid to leave the line. Some wear protective undergarments and others have feigned illnesses to go home and avoid getting violations, said Jo Anne Kelley, president of the union local.
"It's a shame when you feel you have the need to go to the bathroom, but you ask yourself, 'Do I soil myself or do I protect my job?"' Kelley said.
The state has slapped the distiller with a citation. Jim Beam appealed; a hearing officer on Wednesday is expected to recommend to a review commission whether to sustain or overrule the citation.
There was no mention of whether or not hall passes are required, or if the employee wanting to go to the bathroom must state their request using "Mother, may I...?" Hey, at least the company was considerate enough to consult a urologist before hiring the Potty Police....
