Production dipped this week, which meant HR had an idea. A handful of employees were sent out for EEEC – Every Employee Every Community – to “give back”. The rest of the line kept building engines.
Willy Workhorse drew the short straw: the local Dog’s Trust. Officially, it’s about “supporting local welfare initiatives”. In practice, it was brushing dogs’ teeth for a press photo.
By 10am, Willy is crouched beside a sleepy greyhound called Dennis, armed with a disposable toothbrush and a tube of Colgate. A photographer from The Northern Echo circles the scene, looking for the shot that’ll carry the caption “Canines’ Canines Get a Clean from Cummins Volunteers”. HR love the wordplay. Willy just hopes Dennis doesn’t bite.
The camera flashes. The article’s already half-written. Quotes about “employee pride” and “community partnership” will follow by email. The photographer thanks everyone, packs up, and drives off before the toothpaste dries.
By noon, the EEEC team’s back on the floor. Willy clocks back in. His hands still smell faintly of mint and disinfectant. At the Echo’s HQ, the headline is ready.
Cummins Shows Its Teeth for Charity.
Back at the plant, the only thing being cleaned is any evidence of wrongdoing after one of Willy’s colleagues submitted a grievance. But that’s another story.
Lee Thompson – Founder, The Cummins Accountability Project