WARNING: Personal protective equipment is highly recommend to read the following article. (see photo for suggestion) It is so full of bullshit you are bound to get some on you!! If you have a low bullshit tolerance, I suggest you just back away. What you are about the read is the chosen (by KBR attorney’s) opinion of a KBR corporate puppet! Everything you are about to read should be considered fictional and in no way represents the will of the majority of past and present KBR employees and victims. Please proceed with CAUTION!
By WILLIAM C. BODIE
Times Guest Columnist (The Daily Times serving Delaware County, PA)
As the old saying goes, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but not their own facts.
Recent media coverage on an amendment proposed by newly elected U.S. Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., has not only misstated the facts on the arbitration issue, but the Jamie Leigh Jones case as well. KBR would like to set the record straight.
As written, Sen. Franken’s ill-conceived amendment promotes frivolous lawsuits, increases litigation costs, and provides less monetary benefit, in many instances, to victims.
For these very reasons, the Department of Defense, Chambers of Commerce and businesses, large and small, across the country are against the legislation.
Sen. Franken’s amendment does not help employees. It hurts American business and erodes the ability of businesses to support our soldiers.
Many companies have dispute resolution programs designed to address employee complaints timely and efficiently, without the delays and expense often associated with litigation. KBR is no exception.
Under KBR’s dispute resolution program, 95 percent of all employee complaints are resolved promptly to the employees’ satisfaction and at no cost to the employee. This is not only good for employees, it is good for business because it helps control costs, ultimately saving customers money, in this case, U.S. taxpayers.
The few remaining claims not resolved by this process are heard before an independent arbitrator, chosen by both parties, who considers all the evidence and rules accordingly.
There have been erroneous and inaccurate reports regarding the Jamie Leigh Jones case on which it appears the writer of the Oct. 19 Delaware County Daily Times editorial relied.
The assertion that Ms. Jones has been denied her day in court is false. A criminal investigation was conducted and found Jones’ claims unsubstantiated.
A State Department investigation in Iraq, in which numerous individuals, including Ms. Jones, were questioned, found there was no evidence Ms. Jones had been sexually assaulted.
Further, the Justice Department pursued a grand jury investigation in Florida in February 2008.
After hearing all of the evidence, which included testimony from Ms. Jones as well as the firefighter she alleges sexually assaulted her, the grand jury decided to issue no indictments.
The allegation that Jones was imprisoned in a shipping container is also false. Following her reported alleged assault, for her own safety, Jones was provided with a secure living container, or trailer, similar to that in which other KBR employees live (and the very kind in which Jones herself had requested to live).
There, Jones phoned her family and was attended to by a female KBR employee who got her food and clothes and, upon Ms. Jones request, spoke with Jones’ family to assure them of her safety.
The employee also stayed with her for several hours until the State Department, to whom KBR reported the alleged assault immediately, arrived. Despite claims to the contrary, there were no armed guards outside her room.
KBR safety personnel (who are never allowed to carry weapons) were in the area for Jones’ safety since her alleged assailant had not been identified at that time.
KBR then worked with the State Department to arrange for Jones to leave Iraq and provided a female counselor to escort Ms. Jones home to the United States.
To date, two formal investigations have been completed and neither resulted in any liability against Ms. Jones’ alleged perpetrators. Despite these findings, Ms. Jones continues to pursue legal action against KBR.
There is no greater priority at KBR than the safety and security of its employees.
Throughout the continued media blitz regarding Ms. Jones’ case, assertions against KBR suggesting the contrary and a blatant disregard of the facts have perpetuated a biased, one-sided dialogue.
The company intends to continue its vigorous defense and we believe we have the facts on our side. KBR remains committed to engaging in a transparent, fact-based dialogue and in turn, we expect and believe that, we as well as the public, deserve the same commitment from those in the media and in public office.
William C. Bodie is president of KBR North American Government and Defense. (Link to Original)
Bodie….what is wrong with you? I’m no psychologist, but I think you’re just not right in the head!! Pathological maybe?? Whatever it is….I’m sure there is a treatment or at least a pill available. You really should consider seeking help.
You don’t actually believe these sad pathetic attempts to sway public opinion by publishing columns or opinions is actually working??? Did you actually write them??? Highly unlikely!!
You are a sad sad pathetic little man! I do hope KBR is paying you BIG bucks…..because you are going to need ever dollar to try buy your way out of hell!! Some people who have actually worked for KBR think KBR is hell.
You are an embarrassment to the United States of America!
Ms Sparky
Other Related Posts:
Contractors, particularly large defense companies, are ill-prepared for a provision of the 2010 Defense Appropriations Act that stops funds from going to companies that require employees sign arbitration clauses.
An amendment that would prevent the government from working with contractors who denied victims of assault the right to bring their case to court is in danger of being watered down or stripped entirely from a larger defense appropriations bill.
(Yuck!!) In typical Senator Franken style he just chews up de Bernardo!! Well worth the watch! There must be a special place in Hell for KBR attorney’s.