‘They Always Gave Us the Heaviest Work’: Ex-Uline Worker Alleges Mexican Labor Shuttle, Injury and Denied Benefits

When Republican commentator JD Vance spoke about the US economy late last year at a Uline facility in Allentown, Pennsylvania, he praised priorities associated with the Trump administration: removing what he called “illegal aliens,” rewarding companies that keep jobs in the United States, and ensuring Americans receive better wages.

“We’re going to reward companies that build here in America and give good wages to do it,” Vance said. The venue was deliberate: Uline, a privately held office-supplies company worth billions, is owned by Liz and Richard Uihlein, two of the largest donors to MAGA Republicans in the 2024 election.

Investigation and the Shuttle Program

In an investigation first published by The Guardian in December 2024, reporters documented that Uline operated a so-called “shuttle program.” Under that arrangement, the company transported workers from Mexico to staff warehouses in Florida, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania for periods of weeks or months, reportedly using B‑1 trainee visas intended for short-term training rather than for full‑time employment.

Uline did not respond to the Guardian’s questions about the shuttle program. Sources familiar with the arrangement say the program ended abruptly in 2024 after the Guardian’s reporting.

One Worker’s Account

For the first time, former Uline worker Christian Valenzuela, 42, has spoken publicly about his experience. He provided travel itineraries showing at least five trips to the US beginning in early 2022 and assignments at Uline facilities in Pennsylvania, Florida and Wisconsin.

Valenzuela says Uline covered housing, paid a bonus and provided gas money, but still paid employees their normal Mexican wages — which, the Guardian previously reported, were a fraction of comparable US pay. He says supervisors sometimes presented documents to US border agents stating the workers were entering for training. One such letter, dated 13 April 2023 and addressed to Customs and Border Protection, outlined a daily “training schedule” and claimed the worker would be tested on that training; Valenzuela says the testing never occurred.

“We were just going to work. They always gave us more work, because we were stronger workers… They always gave us the heaviest work.” — Christian Valenzuela

Valenzuela and an American former colleague described Mexican staff being assigned the more physically demanding or time‑consuming tasks — packing fragile items such as glass, for example — and being offered overtime that American workers were not, reportedly because US overtime costs the company more. The colleague said he and other American employees were aware the Mexican workers were paid less and would sometimes help with meals at the long-term hotels where they stayed.

Accident and Medical Treatment

On 6 June 2023, Valenzuela says he was operating a forklift at Uline’s Wisconsin warehouse when another vehicle struck him on the left side. He describes a powerful hit and says intense pain developed once adrenaline subsided. He was taken to a doctor with a Uline security staff member present; discharge papers seen by the Guardian reportedly advised rest, ice and Tylenol and recommended six days off work. Valenzuela says no X‑ray was performed.

He says a Uline representative spoke to the doctor and the return‑to‑work note was changed to allow light duty. Valenzuela returned to work for another week, again operating a forklift, despite telling supervisors he was not fully recovered and asking to be re‑examined.

After being instructed to return to Mexico for follow-up, Valenzuela says Mexican doctors placed him on medical leave and referred him to a specialist. An MRI reportedly diagnosed a herniated disc and nerve compression. A physical therapist reportedly recommended weight loss before surgery; Valenzuela says he paid for and underwent weight‑loss surgery so he could become eligible for spinal surgery. He later had an operation for the herniated disc and nerve compression, and continues to report ongoing pain, reduced strength and loss of sensation in his left leg.

Benefits, Contract Cancellation and Next Steps

Valenzuela says Uline called him twice asking him to sign resignation paperwork, which he refused because he needed the job to cover rehabilitation and future care. A letter from Uline’s Wisconsin‑based insurer, dated 7 November 2023, reportedly denied further benefits for the Wisconsin claim, stating Valenzuela was receiving benefits under Mexico’s workers’ compensation and therefore no additional benefits would be owed under the Wisconsin claim.

He says that when he later requested an employment verification letter, Uline informed him his contract had been canceled; Valenzuela alleges he received no formal notice. He says a Uline official in Mexico told him the company had the right to terminate his employment to hire someone able to perform the role.

Valenzuela says he hopes to find a lawyer to pursue his case. “It’s like they’ve already forgotten about me,” he told the Guardian. “Right now they aren’t helping me with absolutely anything; on the contrary, they are harming me.”

What Uline Says

The Guardian reported that Uline declined to comment in response to detailed questions about the shuttle program and the allegations made by Valenzuela and others.

Why This Matters

This account raises questions about the use of trainee visas for extended labor, pay disparities between international and US staff doing the same work, workplace safety and the handling of cross‑border workplace injuries and benefits. The case highlights tensions between public political rhetoric about supporting American workers and the labor practices of companies closely tied to high-profile political donors.