A few weeks back, this column featured a story about a local boss who wanted to inspire confidence among his workers in response to the current economic calamity. Rick Hill of Metropolitan Steel gathered his 50 employees and gave them $600 "stimulus" checks, along with a pep talk and a reminder to spend it locally.

His actions weren't engineered to put himself in the spotlight, but to set an example for other business owners about taking care of their own, investing in their employees and their communities.

Apparently Washington Gaslight Co. didn't get the message.

Last week, Ed Waters told FNP readers that the company was laying off 300 workers, including employees at its Frederick Gas division.

The utility company, serving the natural gas needs of most of Metropolitan Washington, isn't in financial straits. No union negotiations had broken its back with unreasonable demands. The targeted employees don't fill superfluous or unnecessary positions.

No, this was part of a long-term plan to replace these folks with staff based in the Philippines.

To add insult to injury, the company expects those losing their jobs to train consultants so they can teach new staff in Manila. John Holt, president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union representing the Frederick Gas employees, said "no."

In May and July Local 1900 President/Business Manager testified before D.C. Public Service commission on PEPco's failing infrastructure and the lack of trained workforce.
"Pepco has an aging workforce of which 40% will be eligible to retire in 3 to 5 years".
Along with this it has a infrastructure that is poorly maintained and is sure to cause major failures when a storm ocurrs, "the company needs to agressively hire new workers for it to be able to provide reliable electric service to the customers of D.C." says President Holt.

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