Document 0q1oe5oD97nxj7aExyOxVRG1x

January 29, 1982 Dear Retiree: I*m sure most of you have seen or heard about a current article concerning Monsanto's approach to employee health In the Valley Advocate. There is always a risk of lending credibility to outrageous publicity by attempting to defend against it or to worry families of employees. Nevertheless, I cannot and will not have our organization or myself accused of insensitivity to employee health, evasion of the lavs of the land, and even "getting away with murder" without a response to this so-called "journalism." The article in the Advocate was lengthy and constitutes the latest in a long aeries of attacks upon this plant by its editors, reporters and behind the scene supporters. These articles have been incorrect on many important points and conclusions. For that reason, I have attached to this letter the latest in a series of bulletin board notices over the last 5 years which summarizes the facts. We have communicated with you on this subject numerous times in the past and will continue to do so every time new information becomes available. I hope you will carefully review this and further communications on the subject. In the last analysis, however, each of us has to assess the quality of the orga nization for which we work and determine whether we believe we are properly protected. If I had any reservations about that with respect to Monsanto, I would have left years ago. Few corporations have even begun to approach the commitment and investment in Medical and Industrial Hygiene Departments, En vironmental Health Labs, protective equipment and safety support services that we provide at Monsanto. We are not perfect in employee health or any other corp orate activity. But I believe that we are years ahead of most other organizations in the effort to safeguard our employees. No amount of innuendo, biased reporting or sensationalism can change that. I appreciate your taking the time to acquaint yourself with the facts in this matter. Please contact myself or Paul Bureau, Personnel Managerr if you have any questions relating to this subject. / ala :att GC`Ui.9 7