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Palm Bay company fails to pay employees despite tax incentive offer from state

PALM BAY, Fla. — Workers at a Palm Bay company that makes batteries said they’re spending the holidays without much money because they haven’t been paid in weeks.

The company is supported by state and local leaders, and was given tax incentives to open in Palm Bay.

Employees at Oakridge Global Energy Solutions complained last year about not being paid after the company said it was struggling to make a profit.

It’s happening again but workers don’t know why.

Andrea Kunert said she’s one of about 30 employees who have gone six weeks without a paycheck.

“We’ve all been going to the food bank,” she said.

She said she stayed home on Christmas and is struggling to make ends meet.

Another employee, who asked not to be identified, told Channel 9 he’s anxiously waiting for his paycheck.

“I just want my money so I can end this chapter in my life,” he said.

Last year, Gov. Rick Scott was at the company announcing a plan to offer tax incentives if it expanded from 36 to 1,000 employees.

“He had a lot of people’s hopes up. I left my job I was at for seven years because I thought this would advance my career,” said the employee.

In a statement, a spokesperson with the governor’s office said, “Oakridge has not received a single penny from the state and won’t until it meets all the requirements.

Emails to CEO Steve Barber, who is in Australia, have not been answered.

The plant manager said he could not comment.

State leaders recommended workers file complaints with the U.S. Department of Labor.

Previous Story: 9 Investigates tax breaks given to company that hasn't paid workers

Updated: ORLANDO, Fla. - Financial issues at Oakridge Global Energy Solutions have left workers without pay for weeks, but that hasn't stopped the company from receiving tax breaks from the state. Oakridge CEO Steve Barber said the pay problems were due to restructuring and its status as a start-up business.