To the editor:
The 123 members of Local 5-0613 of the Paperworkers, Allied Industrial, Chemical and Energyworkers International Union (PACE) would like the citizens of Lawrence and the surrounding area to hear our side of the story behind the layoffs at Farmland Industries Lawrence Nitrogen Plant.
We feel that Farmland is making a vicious attempt to break our union by shutting down our facility under the guise of a poor farm economy, lower profits, bad weather, etc. The truth is that Farmland is a perfect example of the corporate greed that is taking over our country and putting the workforce of America out of jobs while expanding facilities in foreign countries.
Locally, Farmland has laid off 101 union workers, which only leaves a skeleton crew of 30 people. This is not a sufficient number of people to staff the plant around the clock. The company plans to have equipment running, with hazardous materials and fertilizer stored in tanks and vessels that will not have trained union personnel to take care of them. This is a direct violation of our contract and we feel it may pose a danger for the community.
The union has filed a grievance because they are concerned for the health and safety of the people of Lawrence. Also, the only workers in the entire U.S. that have been laid off are the 101 union workers in Lawrence. How can the layoff of these 101 people cure all of Farmland's advertised "supply imbalance" and agribusiness problems? None of the supervisory or clerical workers at our plant received layoff notices, and there are 34 supervisors for only 30 workers. How about that for efficiency and cost effectiveness?
Farmland broke ground for a new 122-acre office complex east of KCI airport on June 21. We received our anticipated layoff notices on July 1. Does that sound like a company that is worried about the farm economy? Farmland is also planning a merger with Cenex Harvest States and is working on a joint venture with Land O' Lakes. The other Farmland nitrogen plants that were supposedly "idled" due to the fertilizer glut are merely shut down for routine maintenance and annual turnaround work. No layoffs occurred at these facilities.
Our local union plans to fight this blatant example of discrimination, harassment, poor management and corporate greed. We would like to have the support of the citizens of Lawrence and the surrounding communities in our fight for justice and fair treatment.
Michael Turner, president,
for the officers of Local 5-0613 PACEIU.
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