After worker walkout, Burger King inspection doesn't find black mold or backed-up sewage

Despite allegations from former staff that a Springfield Burger King suffered from black mold and backed-up sewage, a new health inspection only cited lesser issues days after employees walked out.

That walkout at the National and Cherry Street Burger King was prompted by an impending health inspection last Friday.

“I didn’t want my name associated with what was going on. The sewage problems alone, according to health department guidelines — I can’t open the store. I was being told to open that store anyway,” said Victoria Springer, a former manager of the Burger King location who led the walkout.

That Friday inspection did not find many of the issues workers described, but health inspectors promised to return this week after employees shared video and photos of their claims.

Since walking out, at least a half-dozen workers have picketed outside the location — yelling "black mold in the kitchen" to potential customers.

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The new inspection on Tuesday found two "priority violations" at the Burger King. Despite being cleaned, there was still a "moderate buildup" of grease on the kitchen's product hold unit. The inspector observed a drain cleaning tool "stuck between the bottom two trays of plastic wrapped hamburger buns." These items were discarded at the inspector's request.

Inspectors also noted the continued uncleanliness of the establishment but did not describe mold or overflowing sewage.

"The floors in food preparation area (especially under equipment and near drains), walk-in refrigerator and freezer and dry storage areas were not clean," it read.

Inspectors did find that the Burger King's condition warranted another visit, which will take place Dec. 1.

"We discussed the issues observed and determined that another visit was warranted to determine compliance."

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In response to the new inspection, Springer said she was glad that their walkout prompted action to clean up the kitchen.

"I am glad to have seen that they have had out plumbers and other maintenance since our walkout. This is what myself and other managers and crew fought so hard for before the walkout. I am sorry it took us walking out to make this happen, yet proud to know that we have accomplished our main goal to affect change."

Springer added that she and her co-workers are pursuing a class-action lawsuit to address their allegedly poor working conditions.

"I hope in the future they will listen to management and crew and not turn a blind eye to the problems. We have had other problems that need addressed and are seeking representation for a possible class-action suit," she said. 

"Addressing unhealthy work conditions. Unrealistic work expectations. Possible altering of some hours in order for them to avoid paying overtime. Still a long way to go. We hope all fast food workers will fight for better work environments."