KEENE, N.H., Aug. 10, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Although NAFTA was established to open doors of opportunity between the United States and its neighbors, many feel this agreement has hurt the American worker. In his new novel, Race to the Bottom (now available through AuthorHouse), John T. Hackett portrays a Midwest town torn apart by a corporation that has come to neglect the community it once served.
At one time, Wiemer Industries was the pride and joy of Hammelburg, Ind. Started by a local family with a commitment to philanthropic leadership, this company served the citizens well and helped forge a progressive society. However, like many businesses, Wiemer Industries eventually transitioned from a family operation to a public corporation. Absentee owners replaced the positive influence exerted by the founders, and a culture of greed soon ran rampant through the company's executive ranks.
Now, Jimmie Hudson, an aggressive, young union leader, serves as the primary spokesman in a contentious labor negotiation that develops around Wiemer management's decision to outsource manufacturing jobs to Mexico. To aid his cause, Jimmie turns to his old friend from high school, Will Heider, a successful Chicago lawyer. Will soon finds himself deeply involved in his hometown's plight, even though this conflicts with his law firm's policy of serving management at the bargaining table.
As Will's internal battle intensifies, Wiemer Industries fuels the atmosphere of apprehension and mistrust throughout the community with its apparent disregard for local residents and Mexican workers, alike. In an ultimate act of betrayal, company executives conduct in an illegal financial transaction that threatens the future security of its faithful employees.
A compelling look at one of the most critical issues facing today's workforce, Race to the Bottom reveals the social and economic devastation suffered when corrupt motives rule corporate business practices.
During his career, Hackett has worked as a venture capitalist, chief financial officer of a multinational corporation and university administrator and faculty member. He has also served as a Federal Reserve System economist and as a board member for several corporations and public service organizations. Although Hackett frequently contributes articles to business and financial journals, Race to the Bottom is his first fictional book.
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