MARSHALL (WKZO) -- Allegations that at least one of the contractors for Enbridge brought undocumented workers to Michigan to clean up the mess from their massive oil spill, has now triggered two new investigations. Reporter Todd Haywood was first to report that undocumented and unqualified workers may be endangering themselves and violating labor laws by working the cleanup.
Now Hallmark Industrial Services, the contractor in question, has been fired. They have packed up and gotten out of Dodge in a hurry.
Congressman Mark Schauer is calling for a congressional investigation to determine if Enbridge turned a blind eye to the violations. The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Agency says it will review safety procedures, work records, and training programs, and may issue fines if they find violations.
Now in a separate issue, Congressmen Mark Schauer and James Oberstar are asking Attorney General Eric Holder to investigate whether Enbridge or their agents coerced victims of the oil spill to sign releases that would absolve the company of any further responsibility, in exchange for air filters and purifiers and other expenses.
In their letter to Holder, the two claim the company tried to take advantage of the victims in the stressful period after the spill. They call it reprehensible. A spokesperson for Enbridge denies that’s what the document does. The Congressmen are asking CEO Patrick Daniel to voluntarily rescind any such documents, if they exist.
The EPA and Enbridge have been holding weekly press briefings on Wednesdays. If today’s comes off, it could be a lively session.
