Uline Employee's Resignation Over Owners' MAGA Ties Sparks Corporate Conscience Debate
A customer service employee at Uline, the massive office supply corporation, has resigned in a dramatic protest against the company's billionaire owners, who are among the largest donors to Donald Trump's 2024 campaign and other MAGA Republicans. Laura Wittmann, a 32-year-old Canadian based in Ontario, submitted her resignation this week, declaring in a company-wide email that she could no longer contribute to the fortunes of individuals she accuses of helping America "descend rapidly into fascism."
Moral Stand Against Political Funding
Wittmann, who worked for Uline for four and a half years and was on a leadership track, explained her decision was precipitated by recent events, including the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by border patrol agents in Minneapolis. In her two-page email, she did not mince words, stating, "I can no longer work to grow the personal fortunes of people who helped make it so." She emphasised that her views on founders Liz and Dick Uihlein were personal opinions, urging colleagues to research their political record independently.
"The most insidious form of evil is that which hides behind outward decorum, concealing the violence of its intent behind written policy, monetary donations, and old-fashioned principle," Wittmann wrote. She contrasted this with more overt forms of wrongdoing, suggesting the Uihleins' influence is particularly dangerous due to its subtlety.
Uihleins' Political Clout and Corporate Culture
The Uihleins are renowned in political circles for their substantial financial backing of conservative causes. According to Opensecrets, which monitors political spending, the couple ranks as the fourth largest donors in the 2024 election cycle, having contributed $139 million to MAGA Republicans and associated political action committees. Their activism extends beyond donations; they recently hosted Vice-President JD Vance for a speech at their facility in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Liz Uihlein is also known for her direct communications in Uline's extensive catalogues. In a 2022 letter, she criticised employees who left the company within two years as "nomads," blaming policies like the Affordable Care Act and parental support for enabling job-hopping. Wittmann referenced this letter in her resignation, interpreting it as evidence of disdain towards departing workers and framing Uline's above-average pay as an "assurance of compliance" rather than generosity.
Wider Implications and Employee Backlash
Wittmann's email was removed from company systems approximately 40 minutes after distribution, according to former colleagues who informed her. A printed copy was shared with the Guardian and published on Reddit, where it garnered attention, including supportive messages from individuals in Wisconsin. In her letter, Wittmann called on other Uline employees to defy what she described as complicity in American imperialism, arguing that the system will not change if workers continue to support such figures.
Her decision was further influenced by a visit to the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where she reflected on historical atrocities and the lack of accountability for perpetrators. "What will ever change if we are too afraid to speak out and accept some personal risk?" she questioned, framing her email as a minimal act of defiance.
Aftermath and Personal Reflections
Uline has declined to comment on the resignation. Wittmann received a voicemail accepting her resignation effective immediately and does not expect severance pay, but she expressed gratitude for being in a financial position to withstand the loss. She described herself as always interested in social justice and is considering returning to school or taking time to reassess her career path.
"I truly believe that the Uihleins and others like them are the biggest threat to global peace, equity, and quality of life," Wittmann asserted, criticising their use of wealth to support politicians and organisations she views as perpetuating horrors. Her stance highlights growing tensions between corporate political involvement and employee ethics in an increasingly polarised climate.
