Susan Criss, The Daily News
"These companies invest in chamber
of commerce activities and advertising dollars to prove their support of their
neighboring communities. They send representatives to chamber and charity
events to show they care. Talent, resources and dollars are spent promoting
their corporate good will and good citizen images.
Yet they refuse to spend money maintaining refinery machinery in
decent enough condition to prevent their workers from being killed. ………………………………..
in Texas City on March 23, 2005 the BP plant exploded
in one of the worst refinery accidents in United States history. Fifteen
workers died and more than 180 were injured. Some of the injured were burned
beyond recognition.
[reports] … revealed a
culture of complacency toward worker safety at that refinery contributed to the
disaster. Worker fatigue resulting from excessive overtime hours was another
problem cited.
Why are the USW members on
strike? Because their workers do matter."