As thousands are laid off around the world, fear not, the defense industry is hiring! Goodness knows that we really need to be able blow each other away right now. In January, London’s The Daily Telegraph reported that BAE SYSTEMS, Europe’s largest defense contractor and the largest foreign player in the U.S. defense market, will add almost 8,000 jobs in the UK and US this year. The company is apparently getting a boost by state orders while the rest of the manufacturing industry struggles. Too bad for BAE that there is not another war monger in the White House, they could increase their ranks even more.
My not-so-subtle disdain for the defense industry aside, it appears that BAE could be the subject of a corruption-packed action movie. The company is under investigation around the world for allegations of bribery — Saudi Arabia, the Czech Republic, South Africa, Tanzania — tour the world wheelin’ and dealin’ with BAE! The company also faces criminal investigations in a number of international capitals including Washington DC, Berne and Budapest, to name a few. It comes as no surprise that BAE continues to be blacklisted by the Norwegian Government Pension Fund.
On a green note, in December, Minnesota’s Star Tribune reported that BAE Systems and FMC Corp. agreed to reimburse the U.S. EPA and the Navy $4.6 million for hazardous waste cleanup costs associated with a weapons plant in operation for more than 60 years.
Dirty work indeed.
Stumble It!
{ 0 comments… add one now }