Barton: Imperial arrogance (14 dead)

[Omaha Steve]

http://savannahnow.com//node/670437

Tom Barton | Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 12:30 am

Imperial Sugar's board of directors puts Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory to shame when it comes to bizarre and creepy behavior.

Once upon a time, actions had consequences in the workplace.

You messed up, you paid up. Simple as that.

But not if you're on the board of directors of the Imperial Sugar Co.

In that fantasy world, which puts Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory to shame when it comes to bizarre and creepy behavior, things are more twisted.

Instead of holding your top employee accountable for the needless deaths of 14 workers killed a year ago at the company's Port Wentworth refinery, you make him a millionaire.

Instead of giving your president and CEO the boot for failing to take bold, decisive actions that could have prevented a catastrophe, you give him the keys to the vault.

FULL story at link.

[midnight]

1. This is an odd twist. Reward for 14 workers deaths. But it

seems from reading this article that because of their great insurance they don't think twice about their negligence. "According to recent documents it filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Imperial appears to be well-insured. Certain operating losses and the cost of rebuilding will be covered, the company reported. Workers compensation will handle lost wages."