Putting constructional lipstick on an oppressive, suicide-inducing pig

EARLIER this year we wrote about the fire hazard which is the EPO's facility in the Netherlands, putting at risk thousands of workers who are already aware of the risks. There are even internal presentations [PDF] about the subject.

"So the fire safety issue will not have been resolved."The Nouvel building was mentioned here before as the EPO likes to shift attention to it, pretending that it pampers employees and that a resolution to the crisis is around the corner (Battistelli likes to use this building as a bargaining card whenever he comes under fire for his sheer abuses, never mind if the French pocket a lot of money from this project).

Recently, one reader told us "about building security of the new "Nouvel" and expensive building in The Hague."

That's the building shown above, with a bunch of Turkish EPO flag added for good measure (it's very suitable given the scenario).

"There are serious concerns on security," our reader told us, "in particular the new building not complying with local, Dutch regulations in terms of fire safety."

So the fire safety issue will not have been resolved.

"Your article," noted this reader regarding our previous coverage, "related to the old building in The Hague, didn't it?"

The old building was in serious violation of Dutch regulations, but who is going to actually enforce the law or compel the EPO to obey the law? Many have tried. Don't expect any fines to be paid. Such is the nature of immunity! It kills.

"The old building was in serious violation of Dutch regulations, but who is going to actually enforce the law or compel the EPO to obey the law?"Information that we later received said that EPO management "eventually invested into fire safety, after about a decade of negligence..." (confirmed by Building Administration)

But what about Nouvel? Nothing.

Our reader said: "I hope you have also received info on that, because the public has to know: the EPO is putting lives at risk and they are aware of it. Unfortunately I cannot tell more without putting my informer at risk. I'll try to get more material on that."

"Dutch politicians deserve and need to know."With over a thousand very clever employees in there, it's hardly surprising that many are worried and try to keep abreast. We don't want to give exact numbers, but after our last article on the subject we have received a lot of feedback from a lot of people. They know about this, but the local media does not cover it. Over a thousand people are probably very familiar with the topic, which merits a large audience as it demonstrates utter disregard for the lives of EPO workers. All the management cares about these days is perks for itself. Investment in safety? No, a penthouse for Battistelli with a bar (!) is so much more important. Alcoholic beverages on the job and a deluxe bathing room just around the corner!

We are going to revisit the subject pretty soon. In the mean time, if anyone has any documents regarding the above-mentioned compliance and safety issues (associated with Nouvel), please leak these to us. Dutch politicians deserve and need to know. ⬆