An Open Letter to Sunoco
Toledo
Refinery
Sunoco, Inc.
Mr. James Keeler
P.O. Box 1014
Toledo, OH 43697
March 2, 2010
Dear Mr. Keeler
As members of the community throughout Northwest
Ohio, it is with a great deal of sadness we write
this letter. Sunoco has a deep history with Toledo;
circa, all the way back to 1895. We have partnered
in many ways over the years to make our community a
strong and vibrant one. As a community we have
stood side-by-side with Sunoco during both
prosperous and challenging times. Now it appears you
are willing to turn your back on us for short-term
economic gain during an extremely difficult period
for our community and its citizen workers.
Sunoco's decision to use an out-of-state contractor
to perform shutdown work at the Toledo Refinery
jeopardizes that trust and partnership. This
contractor plans to use an out-of-state workforce
whether it is only 50 jobs as you claim, or 100 or
more – either way we find this appalling.
Outsourcing jobs is killing our local economy,
particularly during a time of serious recession for
all of Northwest Ohio. It was recently announced
that Toledo is the 8th poorest city in
the nation!
Many construction workers in the Toledo area,
including right here in East Toledo and Oregon, are
suffering unemployment at rates of more than 30%.
These highly skilled and trained local workers
historically man your shutdowns and perform routine
maintenance and capital improvement projects for the
Sunoco Toledo Refinery. We strongly support these
workers because they are our neighbors, friends and
families.
On the surface it appears to us that this is all
about money. It is recognized by most people that
refineries are not the most popular neighbors in a
community because of the odors, noise, heavy traffic
and dangerous processes involved with refining oil.
However, communities will put up with these
inconveniences because the trade off to the local
community is the benefit of employment opportunities
as well as tax revenue. We request that you
reconsider this contract award. We understand that
you have a corporate responsibility to your
shareholders. On the other hand, we are appealing
to your social responsibility to make the right
decision on behalf of your refinery neighbors and
this community. We hope to hear from you soon.
Your Concerned Community,
Join the Campaign and Tell a Friend
For printable
letter
click here
For a Yard Sign
click here
For More on Sunoco Click Here
List of Signers
Senator Sherrod
Brown's Letter to Sunoco
