August 20, 2008

- Billings, Montana

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Contractors Respond to Claims

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By Nick Lough

Story Published: Feb 15, 2008 at 7:13 PM MDT

Story Updated: Feb 15, 2008 at 7:13 PM MDT

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LAUREL - Local contractors dispute claims of hiring illegal workers and poor safety regulations at the Laurel Cenex Refinery.
On Monday, 9 illegal aliens were taken into custody outside the Laurel Cenex Refinery. Friday we spoke with two Turner Industries Group employees who oversee the hiring and safety of the site. Both men say there are many rumors floating around that they want to clear up. They say every one employed by their company must present proper identification showing citizenship, company officials also do background checks.
Plus, they say safety is a major concern whenever employees are working around any type of machinery. They say the rumors floating around about employees violating safety regulations are false. "They can speak English broken and they can understand it, but that does not mean they are illegal. There's plenty of people in here that's as legal as you and I are to be working here," said Turner Industries Group's Al Martino.
"I believe there's a gentleman you had on your news program who said you can come out and see people not wearing safety hats, not wearing safety glasses, not wearing safety harnesses and that's absolutely not true," said Turner Industries Group's Kyle Phipps.
Martino says none of the nine illegal aliens taken into custody was hired by Turner Industries Group. Thursday Turner was fined for hiring unlicensed electricians but we want to emphasize none of those workers was illegal. If you have an opinion on illegal workers in Montana or on the safety conditions at the Laurel Cenex Refinery, post a comment below this story.

View Oldest Comments First

Tuesday, Feb 19 at 1:26 PM cg wrote ...

If You all think about it! we all came from some where ealse once, except the Indians, these was their land

Friday, Feb 15 at 11:44 PM kyle Phipps wrote ...

My name is Kyle Phipps, I spoke on camera with KULR 8. The conversation still seems to be about illegal immigrants. There is no illegal immigrant problem at CHS. There was one minor contractor that hired illegal immigrants and that contractor is no longer able to work at the refinery. I have worked with CHS for two years, and in my experience over the last 10 years I have never met any body that treated people as well as the CHS People treat us.

Friday, Feb 15 at 10:46 PM Slippery Pete wrote ...

Unions are mad because in the construction world they are very soon to be extinct and they are just holding on to what little they have. Unions just give up and stop being whiny little babies so that you can basically tread water. Construction unions are a dieing breed my friend a dieing breed.

Friday, Feb 15 at 10:32 PM ram wrote ...

All I had to do was read a few of the comments and then I stopped. American people are so afraid that Hispanic people are going to "take over everything"...Well, like someone said on their comment, "get off your lazy butt and go work instead of complaining about this". Nobody else wants to do this "grunt" work so why not the Hispanics? I think the problem here is everyone wants that blessed paycheck but nobody wants to work for it!! Enough said!

Friday, Feb 15 at 10:11 PM peggy wrote ...

i think they knew illegal immigrants were working there.they have enough problems without adding to it.we are not doing enough to keep them out!!! i know several illegals here and they brag about not being caught.we need to do more. they have no insurance so when they get hurt,WE PAY HIGHER INSURANCE RATES.its not fair.

Friday, Feb 15 at 9:15 PM Welsh wrote ...

Do you think maybe that if you have to have an interpreter when you get arrested, it might possibly be an indication that the man (or woman)is illegal. It has been my experience that legal immigrants do read and write English. I am broke, the country is broke, and our leadership is broken. For the sake our our children and grand children, this insanity must end.

Friday, Feb 15 at 9:07 PM TK wrote ...

I find it very pathetic that after several years of having illegals working at our local refinery's it now is a big deal. I know of several people including my father that worked out at chs. And many just were in for the new additions to the refinery. But they've all said the same thing now because of the media and others coming forth, they want to do something about immigrants. Very sad and unfortunate their are several LEGAL people willing to work. Stop about worring about saving a dollar.

Friday, Feb 15 at 7:07 PM A FRIEND OF THE LAW............. wrote ...

I know for a fact that the 3rd party contractor knew that they were hiring illegals. Many illegals have been arrested over the past two years that were working at the refinery. They were either pulled over for traffic violations or other criminal activities and turned over to ICE. The local public is blind to just how many have already been arrested and removed and ICE is doing what they can with only a three ICE Agents handling Billings and the surrounding areas.GOOD JOB ICE for the work you do

Friday, Feb 15 at 6:52 PM Eric wrote ...

So why wasnt the cops around the union exits also I witnessed four out of six cars exiting that had non resident tags on there vehicles but thats ok I dont think so but the uniions can cry enough and get their way.

Friday, Feb 15 at 6:42 PM PD wrote ...

I've worked in the refineries for years. I've seen companies have illegals on regular basis and though some may not have them on payrolls, they don't always follow Montana regulations and require contract. licenses, ie. electricians. These people are making good money from our refineries and it could and should be used to benefit our community, these don't even pay taxes that will benefit our cities and communities. If law enforc. visited these parking lots more often many fines would be made.

Friday, Feb 15 at 6:28 PM MP wrote ...

CHS and Pat Kimmett must be held accountable and not be allowed to walk away from the obvious by peading ignorance. They ordered the special gate built for illegals and unlicensed, unqualified electricians to enter their plant!! They owe the people of our community a explanation and huge apology. Time to hold their greedy corporate feet to the fire.!!

Friday, Feb 15 at 6:22 PM umwminer wrote ...

Hiring of non union , illegal Mexican Nationals is Bush and Rehberg's idea of "The American Way" . It's just GREAT for the contractors that hire and exploit ( these Mexicans will never file a wage and hour complaint or report safety violations to OSHA)while replacing skilled , tax paying , law abiding American tradesmen . This whole "illegal Immigration " debate is insane . Imprison the employers that hire them and there will be NO MORE JOBS for them to scab .

Friday, Feb 15 at 6:10 PM shocat wrote ...

When my grandson-in0law tried to get work at Cenex they turned him down, but if you a illegal no problem, paint your face brown and speak broken english and you have it made. This true not just at cenex but any big business

Friday, Feb 15 at 5:06 PM Paul Molitor wrote ...

Will you please stop showing refinery workers when you are talking about coker contractors.

Friday, Feb 15 at 7:19 AM an. wrote ...

you know there is one certain contractor that is still out here at chs that really needs to be fined because he knew they was not legal to work here and plus he knew some of the guys did not have any type of lisences to do welding or ele. work, I have been recently moved to another job site in another state, but I am pretty sure that alot of us from Turner Ind. knows who the former was that was getting paid under the table from the mexican, believe me I know, i work there, looking for new job

Thursday, Feb 14 at 6:40 PM Richard Locke wrote ...

When I saw the first accounting of this event I got the impression that the "authorities" interviewed were suprised as to the illegal immigrants being where they were, I hate to say this but it has to be said....wake up.....two years ago at the Phillips Conoco refinery right here within the city limits....the same thing happened and when immigration made their move they got hit with a "profileing suit" is everyone continuing to be so blind. Pay attention this has been going on for a long time.

Thursday, Feb 14 at 4:24 PM VivaLaMigra wrote ...

Gee, I guess illegals could get a job at ANY oil refinery - maybe on in a heavily-populated area like Bayone, NJ, for example? How difficult would it be to commit an act of sabotage that would threaten hundreds of thousands of lives? At the least, shut down a refinery in the middle of the home heating season and send already high boiler fuel and diesel prices skyrocketing. You could cripple most of the East Coast with one match. Ask El Presidente Jorge Boosh or idiot Chertoff if they care!

Thursday, Feb 14 at 2:39 PM marlboro man wrote ...

I live in FL. and i,m telling you if you don,t stop it now 2 years from now if you don,t speack spanish you won,t have a job!!I had a good constuction co. for over 10 years when they came in I wouldn,t hie them,I didn,t last long lost everything!!!So you better stop it now while you can for gods sake do it for your kids!!!

Thursday, Feb 14 at 2:02 PM jerard wrote ...

Enforce the law! Deport all illegal aliens and prosecute and fine all illegal employers. This ani't rocket science no more excuses.

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 9:35 PM bob wrote ...

"These Cenex people need to be jailed"? Why Cenex? Yes, they most likely knew about the illegals, but it is THE CONTRACTORS who hired them. Why? Because they couldn't find enough legals willing to do the work. These guys were making around $20 an hour. The contractor possibly called INS so they wouldn't have to pay 2 weeks worth of pay or their end-of-project bonus. I think illegals need to be kicked out, but Americans need to get off of their lazy butts and take some responsibility too.

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 9:03 PM frank l kinney wrote ...

jobs americans will not do? or jobs americans are not suppose to get? another bookie this refinery? montana tuff man state get tuff and round them bums up! think american your thinking of YOU! CONSTITUTION PARTY.COM secure voting access ballots. support public citizen.org numbers usa.com fairus.org political cesspool we are not through booking yet! we need team work all for one and one for all! we need montana and all american citizens on one page! thats walk togeather and make what? A POSSE!

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 8:36 PM B.M. wrote ...

Illegal immigration is only a very small part of this story.....what every one should be the most concerned about is the fact that at least 9 illegal aliens were working on the inside of an operating oil refinery.Those workers could have easily been part of any terrorist organization from anywhere in the world causing destruction and devistation almost parallel to 911.I hope that Homeland security is fully aware of this problem that threatens our lives not only physically but financially.

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 5:56 PM cut the bs wrote ...

so because they can't speak english they are illegal. I think your a racist. Admit it. Your talking 9 out of how many hundreds. Call it like it is, you don't like hispanics.

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 5:37 PM Hard Workin' American wrote ...

I used to work for a certain contractor at CHS, who preferred to hire Mexicans over Americans. The only reason Americans got the job, was that they were UNION! They would come from whatever state via Mexico, spoke no English, and didn't have to do thing and collect a paycheck. While hard-working Americans got Laid-Off!! What has this country come too... I have lived in California for many years, Americans are being pushed out of the state because illegal aliens are taking American jobs.

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 5:12 PM Jan wrote ...

Good, but I hope we deport them "for real". We have to ask ourselves why is it our representatives are SO fearful of "terrorists" when they could care less about protecting our borders! Montanans are waking up, as McCain, Obama, Huckabee & Clinton all are globalists & members of the Council on Foreign Relations who seem to want a one world government & unbridled illegal immigration.

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 4:54 PM Red Blooded Too wrote ...

What's really amazing is that the cops were only at the open shop gate and not ate the union gate. That's sure is strange.

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 2:29 PM Ricky Bobby wrote ...

Water board the management! I bet they confess to knowingly hiring illegals. We need to start boycotting these employers of illegals. It's the American thing to do.

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 11:23 AM Jill wrote ...

Companies should not be able to use the excuse, we used outside contracters. They need to hold the execs responsible for what happens within their business. Its not to hard to figure out if a person is illegal, esp if they cannot speak English, thats a dead giveaway for the most part. For the owner to say he didn't know is a bunch of baloney, he knew. I hope the police continue to do these checks and pick up deport as many illegals as possible.

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 10:02 AM Roger Guiles wrote ...

I used to live in Yellowstone county as a child, 50 years ago, and then moved to California. I remember not having ever seen a Mexican until then. Sad that this is happening in Montana now, oddly, I now live in Mexico, believe me, you do not want the trash of Mexico getting a foot hold there. Mexico is a wonderful place to live, and one of the biggest reasons is the Mexican government actively encourages the unemployed and prisoners getting out of jail to head north. Really!

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 9:44 AM howard wrote ...

The only way to stop illegal immigration is at the employers door step. The manager didn't know they were illegal but knew they were driving with expired tags, what's wrong with this picture? He also said the immigration folks have been at the plant before and it was never a problem, probably they didn't see any illegals taking them out at lunch, amazing what a free lunch will buy. Big thumbs up to sheriff Maxwell, I at least know someone is enforcing the laws.

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 8:39 AM Melvin Mitchell wrote ...

The Refinery manager said he did not,,,,,,,,,yea Right!

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 7:47 AM Celtic wrote ...

Perhaps if we stopped purchasing fuel from Cenex stations they might get off their arrogant stand. We did not know. Give me a break!

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 7:37 AM Kelly wrote ...

Who are these third party contractors? Are they local companies or national organizations who just moved into the area? They need to be exposed as well as Cenex.

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 7:06 AM Mrs. Karin Andrew wrote ...

Law & order starts with each city being a part of securing our borders by deporting illegal aliens. Companies must also be held accountable. Montana should set the standard.

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 6:41 AM ncarolinagreene wrote ...

Give me a break everyone knew they were illegal. Hold the company accountable.

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 6:18 AM William Garland wrote ...

The Sheriff says the illegal aliens await "possible" deportation. The deportation should be swift and certain, and if they don't leave, prosecute them if they violated 8 U.S.C. 1325 making improper entry of the US a federal misdemeanor for the first violation and a federal felony for repeated ones.

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 6:01 AM Jim Mills wrote ...

So working at a refinery is the kind of job that Americans won't do, huh? That's pure Bunk! It's only half of the sentance. The other half is:..."at the same very low wage as an illegal will." If we make them legal, they won't do that job anymore either, since they will then qualify for welfare and other benefits that legals and Americans get. They will just quit woring and suck up our welfare, etc. Who's going to do the work then? Well, more, new illegals of course. Add around and around we go.

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 5:39 AM Mr. Bill wrote ...

Why don’t they do the same sting around the Billings sugar beet refinery and other refineries? There are more illegal(s) working there as well, and have been for YEARS!. Perhaps if the INS was doing its job rather than turning a blind eye to the problem, American citizens would have a chance for those jobs. As for the Laurel incident, I find it hard to believe that Mr Kimmet was very surprised to hear the refinery may have been employing illegal immigrants when most don’t even speak English!

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 3:12 AM Giorgian Beliciu wrote ...

We want to know what you think about illegal immigration. Simple! End it!!!

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 2:43 AM REDBLOODED wrote ...

Well, it is about time that notice has been taken to the illegal aliens that the refinery has been hiring! The refinery hired 140 Puerto Ricans (albiet U.S.) last year for jobs that locals were "unqualified" to do. I have encountered a number of illegals in the past two months. Come one, come the whole family. As they say in Mexico: Where a Mexican is, there is Mexico. I have seen Southern California go down the tubes in the past 15 years due largely to the mass influx of illegal aliens.

Wednesday, Feb 13 at 2:07 AM norseman wrote ...

These Cenex people people need to be jailed.

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