Chapter 11
Radio program Marketplace talked to Sierra Magazine staffer Marilyn Snell about her investigative report on how copper giant Asarco and other polluting corporations use bankruptcy protections to skate out on the cost of environmental clean-ups. As Snell explains, the sites in question are so toxic that clean-up is virtually guaranteed -- it's just that taxpayers are liable to pick up the tab.
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Well... I've become a serial poster. I posted this question on Carl's blog, and I'll ask it again here: Is the Club reaching out to labor unions -- and to taxpayer watchdogs -- to talk about corporate bankruptcy protections?
United Airlines used the bankruptcy courts to decimate pensions for its workers, and Delta and Northwest may soon follow suit (you can see a recent blurb at this link: http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=business&id=4077126). It's a nasty piece of work. United's pension plan was underfunded by more than $10 billion (yes, that's billion, meaning there are nine zeros after the 10) $6.6 billion was assumed by the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (and who's money is that?) with a shortfall of $3.6 billion (sorry retirees!).
Delphi holds autoworkers hostage with another bankruptcy filing.
Major corporations are clearly using bankruptcy laws to default on their responsibilities to their workers and to the communities in which they operate.
This seems like a great opportunity for the Club to reach out to a variety
of constituencies to share stories and make common cause, and so I ask:
* Is Sierra Club working with labor/unions to form a coherent message on bankruptcy law?
* Have you considered letting a UAW (or other union) spokesman post on the Compass blog?
* Have you ever asked if you might post on their blog (if they have one -- I didn't check.)
* Have you talked to the UAW or other unions about what bankruptcy default of responsibility for toxic contamination means for the health of average families?
* Has anyone clued Maria Cantwell into the fact that she might pick up a few blue-collar votes if she learned how to play this issue?
OK. I think I've gone on a bit too long, but you get the idea. Thanks for the space.
Dear Moot23,
Yes Sierra Club is working with unions on a variety of issues, including how polluters can leave workers and waste behind when they file for bankruptcy. The United Steelworkers represent the smelter workers in ASARCO operations and we have been partnering with them on this issue and both of us are in touch with Sen. Cantwell as she tries to fix the problem.
Thank you!
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