Archive for 18 February, 2008
EDITORIAL: The Benderson Dilemma
February 18, 2008 4:56 pm
The Benderson Development Corp. is a billion dollar company which has made a huge part of their fortune from work done right here in Amherst, NY. It is NOT only proper Benderson should now realize that it’s pay back time, but it is also appropriate. Our area is suffering through very difficult economic times. We need a financial infusion into our local economy and the Benderson Development Corporation should be part of this badly needed transfusion.
Since Benderson has prospered significantly from building in our area, it is reasonable they should realize it is time to start giving back to the local community, a needed shot in the arm by hiring a fair share of workers from our trade unions in the area.
The workers in our area are above average but are not as cheap to hire as non-union workers that come from Georgia, Louisiana, and Alabama, Mississippi and other southern states and other countries.
Currently OVER 80% of the workers the Benderson Corp. employs are NON-UNION WORKERS FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD. It is time for Benderson to hire at least 50% of their trade people from local unions. I realize Benderson can’t be forced to hire local trade people but it is the decent thing to do, decent being the operative word.
Keeping money in Amherst and the surrounding areas is what a company of integrity and wealth should do. Benderson Development qualifies in both of these areas. They aren’t a remote company, like the oil giants. They are a local company which does work worldwide that brings in billions of dollars into their coffers.
Our great nation grew and was strengthened by people helping one another. Businesses grew strong by providing services to people but not by exploiting them. Sadly in today’s world many giant companies have lost touch with the people in the communities they are in and seem to survive by greed and garnering obscene profit. It is time for Benderson to do the right thing and give back to the community that has done so much to support them. We understand that Benderson does give a great deal to charity but we are referring to a different kind of giving.
