Quebecor World muzzles its employees

The following reader comment was left below today's online version of the story announcing Quebecor World Inc.'s bankruptcy:

To: Scott Jason, From what I have heard from the employees that I have contact with, they are not happy with your articles & this situation is causing a lot of stress in their personal lives. If their is any way that you could do some personal interviews with some of the employees even anything off the record I am sure they would appreciate it. These are real people with real jobs with real family's whose children go to school & have to hear from other class mates how Daddy might lose his job. Yes, I know that is your job to report what is going on but remember their is more than one side to this & how would you feel if the Sunstar were in the same situation? :: 01/22/08 10:52am - jesusfreaksue

I feel I have to respond to "jesusfreaksue."

Scott has tried repeatedly to get the "other side" of the story -- but local Quebecor bosses and employees will not comment, citing a company policy that forbids them to speak with the media. Any official comment is supposed to come from Quebecor World's Montreal headquarters.

As of Monday, Quebecor World's media relations department had not returned any of Scott's calls. Moreover, the e-mail address given for media relations on the corporate Web site was returned as "undeliverable" yesterday when Local News Editor Mike Tharp tried to get information.

So what are we to do?

The local plant employs 900 people, and it's the city's largest private employer. Many Mercedians own the company's stock. What happens to Quebecor World is of intense interest to Sun-Star readers, whether Quebecor World wants us to write about it or not.

I suspect there's some good news to report locally. I wish we could report it. The Montreal-based bosses would be wise to unmuzzle the local staff to talk about what the company's bankruptcy might mean for Merced.

I would guess the Merced plant is probably going to be in fine shape whether it's operated by a rejuvenated Quebecor World or purchased by a competitor. By all accounts, the plant is a shining star within its company and the industry at large. The concentration of presses and equipment, as well as the skilled work force, would be hard to replicate elsewhere.

But we don't know this for sure, because Quebecor World refuses to let its employees talk. It's decisions like this one that make me wonder if ineffective, incompetent management at the corporate level is behind Quebecor World's woes. Who knows?

If you work at the plant, please do not be shy to talk with myself or reporter Scott Jason. We'd love to tell your stories. Unfortunately, no one has come forward. Please do.

-- Joe Kieta Editor