March 2013 - Work Environment Council

Appelate Court Upholds DEP Waiver Rule

Appellants oppose ruling, anticipate appeal The 28 environmental and labor organizations promised to keep fighting despite the ruling by the Appellate Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey to uphold the NJ Department of Environmental Protection's Waiver Rule. The groups issued the following joint statement: "We are greatly disappointed by the ruling issued by the Appellate Court today, and believe the rule should be overturned. Despite the Court's ruling and the slow trickle of waiver applications submitted thus far, the rule, once finalized, will open the floodgates to wash away environmental protections and represents an overreach of executive power." See the Press Release here

Sign a Petition to Management of Phillips 66 to Rescind Their Staffing Cuts to Their Linden Refinery Fire Department

Please help draw the line on wealthy corporations that risk our health and safety to squeeze even more profit. Phillips 66 (formerly ConocoPhillips) is cutting firefighting personnel, training, and equipment that protect against the risk of fire and explosion at their massive Bayway refinery in Linden, NJ. Phillips 66 had fourth-quarter profits from refining and marketing of $1 billion - five times higher than the previous year. It increased by 25% the dividends it pays to shareholders like Warren Buffett (the second richest man in the United States). The refinery is right in the middle of a highly populated metropolitan area with airports, ports, and low income residential areas. You've no doubt been inside the refinery boundaries, since the NJ Turnpike runs through it. The refinery produces petroleum products like gasoline that are extremely flammable. Effective fire protection is essential for both workers and surrounding neighborhoods. TAKE ACTION Please sign and circulate the petition developed by Teamsters Local 877, which represents the Phillips 66 workers. BACKGROUND Phillips 66 executives are cutting the Fire Department at Bayway Refinery by 40%, eliminating firefighting training for the rescue squad, eliminating key personnel who keep the refinery running safely, refusing to repair bridges needed for [...]

Monthly Archives: March 2013

Appelate Court Upholds DEP Waiver Rule

Sign a Petition to Management of Phillips 66 to Rescind Their Staffing Cuts to Their Linden Refinery Fire Department