Cockburn on Avondale Workers

* Re “Rule of Law Means Rule of Employers,” Column Left, Oct. 18:

Alexander Cockburn made no effort to learn the other side of the story. He reports as fact the assertion that in 1993 Avondale shipyard workers voted to be represented by the New Orleans Metal Trades Council. We have persuasive evidence that the election was so badly marred by fraud and other flaws that the nominal results were meaningless. We have taken our case to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, the appropriate forum for such legal disputes. Avondale is committed to abide by the outcome of the judicial process.

Terming Avondale a low-wage employer is also untrue. Cockburn asserts that Ingalls, a unionized Mississippi shipyard and a direct competitor in our region, pays skilled workers $14.07 an hour while Avondale pays such employees only $9.45. In fact, more than half the members of Avondale’s yard force make $13.50 an hour. Unlike their counterparts at union companies, Avondale workers do not lose 20 cents an hour to union dues. In addition, Avondale provides year-end bonuses when the business climate permits, as it did at the end of 1997. And, unlike some of our unionized competitors, Avondale provides both a defined-benefit pension plan and a contributory 401(k) plan. In brief, Avondale’s pay and benefit package is competitive in its region and the most recent remuneration increase was higher than those given by unionized shipyards.

Cockburn also recycles the canard that Avondale has a high rate of work-related fatalities. Avondale puts a very high priority on its safety program, conducts accident-prevention training for all workers and requests that individuals inform the Safety Department of any perceived hazard. Such reports are investigated and resolved promptly. Any death is a tragedy. Avondale has not suffered a work-related death for more than three years.

That Cockburn chooses to parrot the AFL-CIO line not only in this column but in much of his work is his prerogative. That he fails to observe the most basic elements of fairness suggests that his column should appear with a significant warning label.

A. L. BOSSIER JR.

Chairman

Avondale Industries Inc.

New Orleans