TIMCO coverage misleads public
The following is a Counterpoint column:
By Gil West
The ongoing stories in the News & Record regarding the immigration investigation of workers at TIMCO have sensationalized an immigration issue by implying that airline safety and security have been breached. But the erroneous story on April 24 (Airline safety: Flying high or about to crash) [not posted] crossed the line into unfounded assertions related to airline safety and security.
At no time was airline safety or security compromised at TIMCO. All work performed by the individuals involved was supervised by appropriately certificated, trained and qualified TIMCO personnel. As an industry leader in aviation maintenance, our safety standards surpass those required by both the FAA and commercial airlines. We adhere to the highest hiring practices and provide services to many of the country's largest airlines and air cargo carriers.
We believe our practices are the best in the industry and are superior to the services provided by many commercial airlines. Many airlines concur with this assessment. This is one of the primary reasons our business is growing.
The News & Record story pointed out that "at a time when the industry has moved toward greater use of repair stations, its safety record has improved." The News & Record has chosen to downplay these and other facts, and instead has focused on baseless and factually unfounded charges by critics of TIMCO who, for the most part, are union employees pursuing their own political and personal agendas.
Over the past four years, federal agencies have conducted nearly 200 immigration actions at airports and airline maintenance facilities around the country. These actions have resulted in the discovery of nearly 6,000 unauthorized workers. The immigration issue exists on a national level and not solely within TIMCO.
It is a disservice to your readers, our 4,000 employees and the flying public to raise unfounded concerns about airline safety when that issue is not relevant. TIMCO has an extremely well-trained, experienced, skilled and diverse work force -- 2,000 of which call the Triad their home.
TIMCO is proud of its leadership position in our industry and the Triad community. We hope the News & Record's sensationalized coverage of our company and employees will cease and that future coverage will be more balanced, unbiased, fair and accurate.
Further information about our company may be found at www.timco.aero.
Gil West is president of TIMCO.
Comments (6)
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Gil, thats great. Thanks for writing. I'm sure your company is and has been doing a great job.
I have one question though. Did you hire a new Human Resources person in your company after all the, well, you know.. illegals? ;)
Posted on May 5, 2005 9:47 AM
What is the difference between a 'counterpoint column' and a traditional 'letter to the editor'?
Other than the fact that it is obvious the 200 word limit isn't in place and the writers of the counterpoint columns always happen to have "'important'" titles?
Posted on May 5, 2005 1:10 PM
are you a mexican or a mexican't?
sorry, i just loved that movie quote and i've been waiting to use it for quite some time.
Posted on May 5, 2005 4:19 PM
I thought I asked a very good question. Where is Gil? Why hasn't he answered me?
Posted on May 6, 2005 12:55 PM
Lilly, Because you did not use a high-falouting title, that's why. Next time you post try Lady Lilly or Princess Lilly or even Queen Lilly. My personal favorite is Queen Lilly. Use it and see if that opens any doors for you.
Posted on May 7, 2005 1:25 AM
Na, I'll always use Lilly, but thank you for the complement Yvonne dear. :)
Maybe I raised a question that Gil doesn't want to address?
I thought it was a great question, I am sad we'll never know the answer.
Posted on May 7, 2005 9:22 PM