Tesoro has obligation to prevent tragedy

My son-in-law works for Tesoro, a petroleum refinery, and I have always been concerned for his safety, even more so since the explosion that killed seven of his co-workers two years ago. I believe that the Tesoro Corporation needs to do everything possible to ensure the safety of its employees. This is a key issue in the negotiations between the United Steel Workers and the Tesoro Corporation.

Another major issue is employee benefits. I find it deplorable that Tesoro would want to take away anything from their employees considering the fact that the corporation made $546 million in profits last year and paid their CEO, Greg Goff, $8.8 million. This large, profitable corporation wants the unfettered right to change benefit plans whenever it decides to without bargaining with the union. I think Tesoro should work hard to negotiate a fair contract with its employees. One that ensures their safety as well as piece of mind that their families will be covered if a medical emergency strikes and that they will have health-care plans as retirees.

Tesoro should remember who made the $546 million in profit for the company last year.

— Karen Peterka, Mount Vernon