"Placing workers on chemical lines was
used as punishment for those who made waves," said James Little, a
15-year employee who now works for IBM's successor, Endicott
Interconnect Technologies. "I was reprimanded by management for
stopping a machine leaking chemicals. During safety audits, we were
told not to offer any information we were not asked for."
His comments, and others like it Thursday night, are a
significant departure from a general reluctance from IBM workers in
the Southern Tier to publicly criticize the company.
Little is one of approximately 80 people who attended a forum
held at Union-Endicott High School and organized by Rep. Maurice D.
Hinchey, D-Saugerties. Hinchey was joined on a panel with his
guests, Dr. Leo Trasande, an epidemiologist from Mount Sinai School
of Medicine in New York City; Bill Deprospo, a New York City-area
lawyer who represents IBM workers pursuing claims against the
company related to chemical exposure; and Lee Conrad, head of the
Alliance @IBM, a labor organization trying to organize IBM
employees.
IBM was not represented at the event.
Todd Martin, an IBM spokesman, said late Thursday he could not
comment on the allegations without knowing more details. In the
past, he has said that IBM meets and exceeds all regulatory safety
guidelines.
Little, a process specialist, said he fears that publicly
disclosing his story will cost him his job. But, he said, he feels
morally responsible for "coming out of the closet."
While lawsuits with similar allegations have been filed against
the company by workers in other parts of the country, Southern Tier
IBM workers, notoriously loyal, have been slow to criticize the
company. IBM once employed 11,000 people in Endicott and brought
unmatched prosperity to what became known as the Valley of
Opportunity.
While IBM loyalty remains high, based on many who support the
company in Internet forums, talk radio and letters to the editor,
some workers last night expressed anger, fear and frustration.
"Workers have been terrified to join the union," Little said. "I
hope I am protected by whistle-blower laws, but we'll see."
Darlene Walker, who worked for the company from 1978 to 1993,
said IBM "put me through heck." She said she developed health
problems, including cancer, she believes are related to chemical
exposure on the job.
When she brought the matter to her managers, she charged
Thursday, "I was threatened. I was told to keep my mouth shut ... We
need to help past IBMers and protect current IBMers."
More than 350 families, claiming IBM workers suffered death or
illnesses related to chemical exposure on the job, have sued the
company in Westchester County, San Jose, Calif., and Rochester,
Minn. Plaintiffs are seeking damages for birth defects in their
children, and illnesses or deaths suffered by workers or former
workers.
Those allegations involve a process that was not used in
Endicott, Martin has said.
Deprospo, who is involved in those suits, said he will follow up
with some of the Endicott workers to review their claims.
One worker welcomed that news.
"I'd like to pursue any help you can give us. Please. We'll
accept it," Colleen Standard told the panel. She is a former IBM
worker who said she is concerned exposure to chemicals on the job
are responsible for her cancer.
On Thursday, Hinchey repeated his demand that IBM make public a
company database that tracks workers' health and their exposure to
chemicals. It is called Environmental Chemical and Occupational
Evaluation System, or ECOES.
Hinchey said Wayne Balta, IBM's vice president of corporate and
environmental affairs, has not responded to a letter in September
from Hinchey requesting the database.
"These files could offer tremendous insights," Hinchey said. "IBM
workers die of cancer at younger ages and higher rates than the
general population."
Temp: 6
°F