Activists Deploy Effigies in Unocal Protest

An unusual sight greeted motorists passing the Unocal Corp. business complex in Brea: two large puppet-like effigies dancing and shadowboxing as part of a protest at the oil company’s annual shareholders meeting. One effigy, in a dark suit, was labeled “Unocal CEO,” and the other was dressed as a military officer. The activists are demanding that El Segundo-based Unocal abandon a controversial pipeline project in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, home to a military regime that has been widely denounced for terrorizing political opponents. A shareholder resolution directing that outside corporate directors prepare a report detailing the cost to Unocal of opposition to its business dealings in Myanmar was defeated, receiving 7.1% of the vote.