The Observer investigation series, "The Cruelest Cuts", found, as we said in a recent editorial, "lax regulations and weak oversight have made it easy for a dangerous industry to exploit illegal workers, underreport injuries and get around a regulatory system that lets companies police themselves." In response, we heard from many readers who thought these problems didn't matter because they affected mostly those thought to be illegal immigrant workers. But N.C. Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry seems to take a different approach -- she doesn't see any problems at all! In fact, in revealing interviews with the Observer's Ames Alexander, published Sunday, she cites the decline in injury reports as proof that her partnering with business is working for the state:
"Well, I find it offensive that it seems to me you're suggesting that not keeping the proper paperwork is commonplace in our business community. I just don't find that. ... We're going to keep doing what we're doing because it's working. And, no amount of ink and paper in the world that you generate is going to stop us from doing the good job we're doing."
In other words, everything would be fine, if the Observer would just mind its own business. How safe does this make workers in other North Carolina industries feel?
Alexander's complete interview with Berry can be read here.
Your thoughts?
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6 comments:
I think you took Ms. Berry's response out of context. According to the Observer, one company allegedly does not process paperwork correctly. Her response was simply that you are making the assumption that the majority of businesses process paperwork incorrectly. A poor assumption on your part.
Personally, I admire Ms. Berry for speaking directly to your accusations and applaud her for the good work she is continuing to do. I too subscribe to Thomas Payne's philosophy on government and wish that more politicians felt the same way. Don't worry Ms. Berry - as long as you continue the great work you will have my vote!
It looks to me like construction is much more hazardous, at least deadlier, with 100+ deaths since 2004. Why no story or at least a followup on what is being done for that industry? I think you dropped the ball by not following that lead with more questions.
I was appalled at Berry's reaction. She was unconcerned, uncompassionate, and clearly a part of the problem! No matter how convinced she is that everything is hunky-dory in the poultry business, the article should have at least raised some doubts in her mind and caused her to take a second look--but, no, she is determined to look the other way.
It looks like I'll be taking the stairs instead of the elevators she has deemed "safe." I'm also looking for someone else to vote for to protect the citizens of this great state.
I encourage the Observer to follow up with more investigations. Ms. Berry's responses sound like criminal neglect.
Why does not the Observer do an investigation into the plight of all of the Chinese furniture workers who make cheap funiture that is sold at Rooms To Go? Oh I forgot, they buy ad space in the Observer by the full page.
How does Toyota of Lake Norman sell all those cars without spending one dime on ads in the Observer.
The reality is that nothing will be done about any of this. Companies will keep exploiting employees, who in turn need the jobs in such trying times as the one we are living on. They will hire illegal inmigrants because they are the only ones willing to do the work and because they have no rights in this country, their problems do not concern politicians. Even Sue Myrick doesn't there to touch them, it keeps chicken cheap for us Americans.
The reality is that nothing will be done about any of this. Companies will keep exploiting employees, who in turn need the jobs in such trying times as the one we are living on. They will hire illegal inmigrants because they are the only ones willing to do the work and because they have no rights in this country, their problems do not concern politicians. Even Sue Myrick doesn't dare to touch them, it keeps chicken cheap for us Americans.
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