Rosenblum on Phelps Dodge

Jonathan Rosenblum’s Column Left (Nov. 23)--ostensibly about filmmaker Paul Jarrico--was in fact an attempt to mislead readers and malign Phelps Dodge Corp. Rosenblum should stick to the facts:

Since mid-1996, Phelps Dodge has negotiated in good faith to reach new agreements at Chino Mines Co., allowing union-represented employees to remain among the best paid in New Mexico, with annual compensation averaging $43,000 per employee.

In response to employee requests, Phelps Dodge proposed 12-hour shifts. At recent meetings, the unions made their own proposal for alternate shifts.

Rosenblum intentionally misrepresents the law by accusing Phelps Dodge of “another effort to decertify the union.” Only union-represented employees can launch decertification elections.

Rosenblum sinks to pathetic journalism regarding events in 1917, ignoring the importance of continued mine operations to support the war, then failing to describe contemporary management practices, which still reflect compliance with laws and the highest ethical standards.

Rosenblum radically distorts a 1983 strike waged by unions at our Morenci mine--a strike so violent that the governor called in the National Guard to protect the community. One year later, the same unions accepted the same offer at another Phelps Dodge property.

Rosenblum’s column distorts our company’s employee relations practices and demeans employees who have chosen to work in a nonunion environment.

J. STEVEN WHISLER

Pres. and Chief Operating Officer

Phelps Dodge, Phoenix