Far out Friday: Employees turn CEO into piñata – and beat it

Employees of American Apparel staged a demonstration outside the retailer’s Los Angeles HQ recently – with an unusual twist.

The gathered workers took to beating a piñata that was designed to look like CEO Paula Schneider.

Footage of the demonstration was uploaded to the YouTube channel ‘Save American Apparel’.

According to the video, the reason for the protest was due to Christmas bonuses from last year remaining unpaid, as well as 50% wage cuts, loss of employee benefits and the use of sweatshops by the company.

The video’s publication comes eight months after the sacking of former CEO Dov Charney, who was suspended last year following allegations of misconduct and sexual harassment.

In the video, employees can be seen wearing “I heart Dov” shirts and brandishing signs that read “Dov wouldn’t let this happen to us”.

The day after the demonstration, Schneider reportedly sent a company-wide memo.

“The behaviour of a small group that support these intimidation tactics, including the attack last week on our headquarters at 747, and now, the beating of the piñata is truly appalling,” it read.

She added that she was aware there were a number of workers at American Apparel who were no longer happy at the company.

“If that is the case, you always have the right to find a job where you will be happier,” Schneider wrote.

“What I ask is that you allow the rest of us who are here to work hard and to rebuild American Apparel to be able to do our jobs without threats and violence.

“Let’s work together to build a great future for American Apparel.”