April 16, 2010
Dear Turner Industries Client:
As you may be aware, the EEOC has issued certain findings
relative to our Paris, Texas fabrication plant. We strongly disagree with the
EEOC's findings, and we are defending our employment practices at that
facility, as well as any job site that may be mentioned. The EEOC will invite
us to a meeting in the near future, and we shall welcome that opportunity to
show them that our work places are free of harassment, discrimination, and/or retaliation.
Because of the personal and professional relationships we
have forged with you, we are concerned that you might be misguided by any
negative inferences or portrayals in the media. We are committed to providing
you with as much information as you require that will assist you in sorting through
the information being disseminated.
I am disappointed by the images displayed in the media this
week and the suggestion that Turner Industries employees were responsible.
Despite a thorough investigation more than a year ago, extensive internal
measures implemented, and an ongoing vigilance on these matters, we have yet to
identify the person or persons responsible.
Considering the serious nature of these accusations, we are
taking the following measures to address this issue:
1. An investigation has been launched to determine if the
images that have been displayed this week are new or old and to investigate all
evidence;
2. We are scheduling meetings with both national and local
civil rights leaders for advice and counsel on this matter;
3. We are implementing a more aggressive diversity program
to further ensure that our workplace is inclusive to all, and is free of
harassment, discrimination and retaliation. This shall further advance our goal
of being a champion for diversity.
The images and information being depicted in news accounts
are completely contrary to our core values and beliefs. That is not the Turner
Industries you know, nor is it the Turner Industries that has built a
reputation for the last 50 years of serving our clients while insisting on
fairness and equality for all of our workers. Some of our diversity efforts are
described on the appendix to this letter.
As a result of last year's investigation, no employee
interviewed was found to be a victim of harassment or discrimination. In
addition, no one was subject to retaliation. One of the misrepresentations
portrayed in media reports is that employees who complained were fired. That
quite simply is false. Any terminations were completely unrelated to any
complaints or statements, and were based solely and exclusively upon excessive
absenteeism, substance abuse, and performance issues. Facts supporting those
terminations are clearly and indisputably documented in the employment records
of those individuals.
We know you are concerned about these EEOC findings and the
subsequent media reports. We will demonstrate to you that your trust and faith
in us is well placed. Never hesitate to contact anyone in senior management,
nor any of your contacts at Turner Industries. We welcome the opportunity to
visit with you face to face as well.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,

Roland M. Toups
APPENDIX
Summary of Turner Industries' Diversity Initiatives and Presence
in Paris, Texas:
We are committed to and have been a leader in promoting
diversity not just in the work place, but in the community as well. For many
years, we have partnered with many minority organizations, such as 100 Black
Men, the Museum for African American History, and the Dubose Music Festival. We
have also worked extensively with the Paris chapter of the NAACP in promoting
diversity throughout the community. Turner Industries volunteers have
thoroughly enjoyed participating in and working with these outstanding organizations.
We have been in Paris, Texas for eleven years. We purchased
and re-furbished an old Babcock & Wilcox plant. We have made capital
investments into our Paris operation of almost $20,000,000. We have put
thousands of people to work - including some who experienced difficulties and
paid their debts to society. Early on, the Paris Economic Development Council
asked us specifically to provide working opportunities to those who have served
time in prison. We obliged.