Dr. Woody Myers Renews Call for Full Investigation Into Handling of Amazon Death

Indianapolis, IND – Indiana Candidate for Governor Dr. Woody Myers is renewing his call for a full, independent investigation into Governor Holcomb and his administration’s response to the death of Amazon employee Phillip Lee Terry.  The subsequent investigation by IOSHA employee John Stallone led to $28,000 in fines against Amazon. Those fines were then reversed. A recent news report questioned the timing of the reversal, which was during the same period that Indiana was pursuing Amazon’s second headquarters. 

Myers says worker safety is the paramount issue. 

“The public still does not know if worker safety violations occurred that contributed to the death of Mr. Terry,” said Myers. “Most importantly, we have heard no assurances from IOSHA that all deficiencies have been addressed, that safety and training protocols are in place, and that IOSHA is monitoring Amazon in order to avoid a repeat occurrence.” 

Myers says the investigation should also address the issue of a campaign contribution from Amazon to the Governor immediately after the Amazon fines were cancelled. 

Friday, the Governor issued two cease-and­-desist letters to media outlets that ran stories questioning the handling of the investigation at Amazon. While the Governor has denied a role in the Indiana Department of Labor case, he does not: 

·         Explain why the Stallone investigation was flawed and should not have resulted in fines against the company.

·         Outline what his Administration has done to insure workers’ safety at Amazon.

·         Defend the actions of his IOSHA Administrator Julie Alexander.

·         Deny that a thousand dollar campaign contribution came immediately after the Amazon fines were rescinded or say whether he solicited the contribution.

Myers says there must be an immediate, independent federal OSHA investigation of Mr. Terry’s death; an independent investigation of whether the Governor’s office interfered in the investigative process; and an inquiry into whether the Governor or a subordinate was responsible for exchanging the elimination of $28,000 in fines for the opportunity of securing the Amazon headquarters and a campaign contribution. 

Myers understands the importance and intricacies of protecting workers.  He once had global responsibility for worker safety as Ford Motor Company Director of Healthcare Management.