Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Where are the Unions when you need them?!
I've been watching the progress of the WV mine rescue (which looks at this point like it is going to be a recovery of remains, rather than life-saving operation) with anguish and anger. Anguish for the poor men who appear to have perished, and for their families, their children, their friends. Anger because the mining company had 208 safety violations in the past year, nearly half of them substantial. And according to US gov officials, it is not the worst among the safety records of mines. Indeed, they are saying it's fairly typical for mines of its size.
"Federal regulators' allegations against the Sago Mine included failure to dilute coal dust, which can lead to explosions, and failure to properly operate and maintain machinery, according to the U.S. Labor Department," reports AP news. "Ninety-six of the citations were considered "significant and substantial" by inspectors." And the average fine -- $250. That's gotta got hurt.
Where the heck are our unions -- insisting on decent working conditions? Where are our government oversight agencies whose job it is to protect workers? I feel like I'm living back in the 1880s. ¶ 12:35 PM
"Federal regulators' allegations against the Sago Mine included failure to dilute coal dust, which can lead to explosions, and failure to properly operate and maintain machinery, according to the U.S. Labor Department," reports AP news. "Ninety-six of the citations were considered "significant and substantial" by inspectors." And the average fine -- $250. That's gotta got hurt.
Where the heck are our unions -- insisting on decent working conditions? Where are our government oversight agencies whose job it is to protect workers? I feel like I'm living back in the 1880s. ¶ 12:35 PM
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In some ways, we are living in the 19th century, Pamela. As the divide grows wider every day between the top earners and even the middle ones in America, it's like a giant step backward for our whole culture. The gains of the early twentieth century are being systematically--and perhaps deliberately?--wiped out by those in power, beginning with Reagan, and getting worse now. I share your anguish!
Louise
www.louisemarley.com
Louise
www.louisemarley.com
# posted by 
: 6:16 PM
: 6:16 PM
And to add insult to injury -- the mine officials "made a mistake" and told families that 11 of the 12 had survived, when actually 1 of the twelve had survived. What a total disregard for these people's emotions!! What makes me most ill is all the spin -- rather than an apology. If you make a mistake, especially an egregious one like this, own up to it. That is the way to make ammends, not to back pedal and make excuses.
May God bless the souls of those who died doing honest work, and grant peace to the hearts of their loved ones.
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May God bless the souls of those who died doing honest work, and grant peace to the hearts of their loved ones.
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