EAST GREENBUSH, N.Y. -- Thomas Smith is a 52-year-old formerly homeless ex-convict whose job was collecting carts and picking up trash in a Walmart parking lot. On Nov. 6, after two months of working there, he was fired for redeeming $2 worth of empty cans that were left behind.
In an interview with The Times Union newspaper, Smith told reporter Paul Grondahl he didn't know redeeming the trash was against the rules.
"I didn't know you couldn't take empties left behind. They were garbage," Smith told Grondahl. "I didn't even get a chance to explain myself. They told me to turn in my badge."
Smith, who has a learning disability, said he was interrogated by a manager and two members of security before being asked to sign a statement admitting guilt. He said he didn't even have his glasses on to read the statement but didn't want to argue and risk violating his parole.
His manager even asked him to repay the money but because he didn't have cash on him, he took a one hour bus ride that weekend to pay them back.
A spokesperson from Walmart told the Times Union, "He was terminated for taking property inside the store."
Smith told the Times Union he was a hard worker before he was fired. "I did the right thing and stayed out of trouble. I worked hard and did a good job. I ended up getting a raw deal," he said.
Since news about his termination spread, people from around the country have expressed outrage. Some are calling for a boycott of the store, others set up a GoFundMe account for him.
More on this story here.
