This letter to Governor Pataki and similar ones have been sent to local, state and federal officials

April 12, 2004

Dear Governor Pataki,

In 2002 you came to Endicott, New York to announce the transfer of the IBM site and some of the employees to a newly formed company named Endicott Interconnect.
In November of that year, and shortly after employees received their first paycheck with Endicott Interconnect, 200 employees were fired. The hopes and dreams of many were shattered.
Even still the employees were willing and, due to their high skill, able to continue to build this fledgling company.
Unfortunately the new owners have looked upon this workforce with scorn and disrespect.
Morale has plummeted as employees have faced "emotional battering" at the hands of the owners and management. This past week was no exception. Over 60 workers were fired and we believe the firings will continue this week and reach 100.
Many of the fired employees worked at the site for over 20 years. We believe they were fired because of their higher salary and are being replaced by new hires and temps with much lower salaries.
CWA Local 1701, Alliance @IBM, has been organizing at the plant and we are encouraging you to use your office to take steps to halt these firings and bring back these workers into Endicott Interconnect. We are also asking you to investigate the possibility of financial problems at Endicott Interconnect.
It is surprising to many at Endicott Interconnect and to members of the community that these firings are taking place while the workload is high and especially in light of your recent visit to announce the hiring of 700 workers.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Lee Conrad
National Coordinator
Alliance@IBM Communications Workers of America Local 1701