Nov 22, 2014 1 min read

The Washington County Community Foundation recently announced the recipients of the 2014 Charles C. Keller Excellence Award for Corporate Philanthropy. Consol Energy was the recipient in the large category. In 2014, they contributed more than $5 million to their charitable giving program. Investments were made in human services and educational programs that focus on sustainable change and in building strong, healthy communities. These awards were designed to reflect the core values of the company.

When they received their award, I hope Consol mentioned the fact that they have terminated the health-care and life insurance benefits of more than 1,200 retirees and their families, and substantially reduced future benefits to a select group of retirees and present employees of their retained coal mines.

I, and I’m sure all of the other affected Consol retirees, would not want the company to discontinue its charitable endeavors. However, considering that the loyalty, dedication and hard work by these retirees is what built this company into what it is today, I must ask, can’t they do both? Reinstating these benefits AND continued corporate philanthropy? Now that would be a reflection of strong core values.

Robert Long

McMurray