Related Articles
April 8, 2002 "I am here today to complete an almost impossible missionto convey the devastation thousands of workers have experienced since the Enron nightmare began and their financial future ended," Shuler said at an event in Washington, DC, one of 35 around the country. She told a story that has been all too common among IBEW members of Local 125 in Portland, Oregon, where 1,000 members worked at the Enron-owned Portland General Electric. Enron purchased a solid, reliable utility in 1997. At that time, the company made its own stock its employer contribution to stock in employee 401(k) plans. Shuler spoke of a hardworking 33-year PGE special tester who, like many others in the utility industry, worked stormy nights and holidays, often leaving family gatherings to fix problems in the electrical system. "After years of hard, physical labor, he was preparing to retire next year but the Enron collapse cost him nearly $500,000 and short-circuited his dream of retirement," Shuler said. That man was her father. Speakers as diverse as consumer advocates, environmentalists and Democratic campaign consultant James Carville delivered the clear message that more Enron-style implosions are inevitable unless Washington moves to prevent them.
"We are here today to challenge the Bush Administration and Republicans in Congress to put aside their corporate ties, stand up for American working families and finally promote policies to prevent further Enrons," Carville said. "No matter what the issue, the Administration and its allies in Congress put the needs of corporate America ahead of its citizens." Carville laughed at the Bush Administrations repeated contentions that the President and other officials did nothing to help the former energy giant in the days leading to its bankruptcy last falldespite the multiple phone calls that were made. "Of course you didnt help themthey were out of money," Carville said. "Were worried about what they did when Enron did have money!" Events on Wednesdays "National Day of Action" took place from New York to California and Texas to Wisconsin with participation by local community organizers, activists, elected officials, union leaders, teachers and seniors. The day was sponsored by American Family Voices, a non-profit advocacy organization working on issues of interest to consumers and working families. The goals of the events were stated in a memorandum "To: The Bush Administration, From: Your Constituents," urging:
Karen Friedman from the Pension Rights Center said Enron is not the only company whose employees over invested in company stock. "Enron shows the danger of privatizing Social Security," Friedman said. "We need strong legislation, not cosmetic reform."
|
"After years of hard, physical labor, he was preparing to retire next year but the Enron collapse cost him nearly $500,000 and short-circuited his dream of retirement," Shuler said. That man was her father.
4/02 Journal - Taking Care of Business - President's Message3/13/02 - Keep Social Security Intact, IBEW Member Tells Congress3/5/02 - PGE Worker to Tell Capitol Hill to Protect Retirement Plans3/02 Journal - IBEW Members Tell Senate Enrons Collapse Wiped Out Their Savings While Company Brass Profited2/22/02 - IBEW Provides Key Testimony at Enron Hearings on Capitol Hill2/5/02 - IBEW to Congress: Protect Workers From Enrons Abuse of Retirement Savings2/02 Journal - Beware Enron Wannabes - Secretary-Treasurer's Message1/3/02 - IBEW Members Tell Senators How Enron Execs Stole Their Retirement12/18/01 - IBEW Workers Testify Enrons Downfall Cost Them Savings
|
|||||
