Defense Factory Workers Allegedly Caught Drinking, Smoking Pot on Lunch Break
- Posted on November 23, 2011 at 10:44am by
Madeleine Morgenstern
- Print »
- Email »

In footage from Detroit Fox affiliate WJBK-TV, a defense factory worker appears to smoke marijuana during his lunch break. The factory produces parts for military combat vehicles. (Image source:WJBK)

Image source: WJBK
Workers at a Detroit defense factory have been caught on video allegedly drinking and smoking marijuana during their lunch breaks — then presumably returning to their jobs where they make parts for armored military vehicles.
Tower Defense and Aerospace produces parts for military vehicles used by American troops in combat, including Humvees and Strykers. It’s a Department of Defense subcontractor, ultimately paid for on the taxpayer’s dime.
But a series of shocking footage from Detroit Fox affiliate WJBK shows workers appearing to drink alcohol and smoke marijuana during their breaks, all within sight of the factory.
In the footage, workers are shown sipping liquids out of paper bags and smoking joints. Some do so sitting in their cars while others remain outside, out in the open, making no attempt to hide their actions.

Image source: WJBK
WJBK confronted several of the workers caught on camera, all of whom denied any wrongdoing.
The factory, which also produces parts for commercial airplanes in addition to military vehicles, won its first defense contract 10 years ago and made $90 million in revenue last year, according to WJBK.
Tower Defense declined WJBK‘s offer to view the footage in advance of the report’s airing, but told the station it is “aware of the issue” and is conducting an ongoing investigation of its own.
Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is aware of the report, though neither Levin nor the Pentagon have officially commented on the matter.
WJBK has a history of nabbing boozing plant workers. Last year, Chrysler fired 13 workers after the station caught them drinking and smoking pot during their lunch hour. In July, the station caught workers from the same plant doing the same thing, this time steps away from a union hall.





















Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (215)
BurntHills
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:12amthat fed contract should be pulled and that ghetto factory closed immediately before more soldiers get killed from the faulty equipment. no way are they doing a quality job, and there is the actual photo proof of the obama union ”worker”. a trained common zoo animal would do a better quality job and only for bananas and fruit.
Report Post »Once A Marine Always An American
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:23amThey don’t do a quality job anyway. They are union worker with no incentive to do quality work. They are paid to make x amount of parts per shift, they are not paid on a basis of quality or production supperiority.
Report Post »Secret Squirrel
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:54am.
Report Post »It’s Detroit.
You expected anything else?
Gaming the system is a way of life.
mikem1969
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:55amAh, the joys of unproductive and non-productive union work. diband the union, and fire them all.
Report Post »Gold Coin & Economic News
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 12:24pmI think pot smoking and drinking was in their latest union contract wasn’t it?
Report Post »http://www.congressinsiders.com
AnAppealToGod
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 12:26pmgive em a job and this is what they do with it………
That’s right.
Report Post »WhatReally
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 12:28pmWow, these are jobs that should be given to Americans that take pride in their work and their country! How can a company not be able to get rid of the unsatisfactory employees and hire the best, to make the best for the best!
Report Post »ProbIemSoIver
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 12:29pmDrinking on the Job? Totally Unacceptable.
Report Post »Smokin‘ a fatty of ’Dro on breaktime ? Everyone should try it !!!!
Man is it good to work for the military / industrial complex, 100 dollar-an-hour union job, more benefits than you could shake a stick at, and retirement at age 45, in addition to smoking doobies on break.
Where do I sign on ? lol.
KickinBack
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 12:35pmAlso from fox2 Detroit, UAW partying hard on their break…days after Obama visited for a pep talk when they were bailed out…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVmKyJXHXRE
Report Post »AnAppealToGod
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 12:41pmWe should ship the whole city of Detroit overseas.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 12:43pmTypical … DETROIT … union worker.
TEA!
from former Michigan resident
Report Post »Ruler4You
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 1:12pmYou pull that contract and you can bet there will be a ‘discrimination’ lawsuit. Remember a while back they found a group from, I think it was an auto manufacturer, at a local park was doing the same thing. They raced out of the park and pretty much the whole thing went without further media attention.
It’s important that America be seen as a less than “iconic” 1st world nation in this period of emerging globalism. If our military industrial complex can be shown to be using ‘dopers’ or other unreliable workers for military products, nations interested in looking for military / defense infrastructure will go to someplace else. China, for instance, it has recently been revealed, has seen restricted technology from the U.S. delivered to them, ever since the Clinton era. After he bombed the Chinese embassy in Serbia on “accident”. Another facet in the “redistribution of wealth” scheme.
Report Post »term limits for congress
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 1:35pmAs usual, FOX2 got it wrong. These guys were not able to attend the Occupy Detroit protest because The Man would not give them the day off. So, these guys are sympathizing and protesting ON THEIR OWN TIME! They’re just doing the usuall “protest stuff.” FOX2 probably (and thankfully) edited out the nudity and bongo drums.
And, if FOX2 were doing their job, they would have pointed out that the cops are not there because the ‘defecating’ thing. Who wants to go to a car wash when it’s 36 degrees? Seriously. Come on, FOX2!
Report Post »drattastic
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 1:53pmThe reporter is hilarious and obviously a racist . I’m sure the rev. Al and Jessie will be down at the news station soon with a mob…uh…er… I mean group of concerned citizens looking for a shake down…ah…er..I mean a donation to the community. I guess like most of us in the non-union private sector there is no drug testing there , why we wouldn’t want to trample on their civil rights . I mean F@#K those fools in the military layin thay life down fo tha man…..Eric Holder sees nothing wrong here ..obama says the reporter is acting stupidly.
Report Post »AnAppealToGod
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 2:02pmdrattastic – you’re wrong. He’s not racist. He did a similar story that involved a bunch of white guys and only a couple blacks that were drinking on their lunch breaks. He said the same kind of jokes. They even played B double E double R, U, N, BEER RUN!!!!!!!
Report Post »drattastic
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 2:16pm@ ANAPPEALTOGOD
Report Post »Didn’t you read my whole post ? It was a sarcastic attempt at humor. Seemed obvious to me.
KickinBack
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 2:22pm@Drattastic
Nothing racist about it. Detroit’s population is over 80% black…Therefore you have more black factory workers.
Report Post »SREGN
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 2:24pmI thought those pictures were from an Obama cabinet meeting.
Report Post »yougottabekidding
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 2:33pmDoes any of this suprise anyone?
Most teachers that I have heard of are not drug tested. You know union rules.
Report Post »pavepaws
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 2:42pmMore quality workers that made Detroit famous.
Report Post »SomeRandomPerson
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 5:43pmHey, pot always made me work better. Drinking on the other hand, I usually wait until I get home.
Report Post »V-MAN MACE
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 6:26pmI don’t see the problem, I always smoke weed and then work on secret projects.
It enhances your creativity. People that‘s already stupid shouldn’t smoke weed. Only really smart people should smoke it and then work on projects. It slows down the thinking process which for some really smart people is abnormally fast, allowing for more deliberate examination and comprehension of observed effects.
Report Post »amrcn
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 6:54pmBut ain’t them folks entitled due to da fac they is depressed from bing oppressed….
Report Post »NancyBee
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 7:36pmThanks……..Detroit Fox………These people should be fired immediately!!!
Report Post »AnAppealToGod
Posted on November 24, 2011 at 1:46amdrattastic – Sorry I caught that after the fact.
My apologies! This place is flooded with Huff Po trolls, so it can be hard to tell.
Report Post »charleyrocks
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 12:42amThere ya go CNN, you can do another series of Black in america for the 9th time.
Report Post »jamestoms
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 6:22amHey that ain’t fair! These brothers are Obama voters, they was just politiking for the Prez! Smelly & Jelly were having brown bag cocktails, and the Prez’s bro was smokin “green,” boy you gotta get wid the pogom!!!Save America, one joint at a time, and we wonder why we loose so many troops over seas?
Report Post »wolftech
Posted on November 26, 2011 at 4:47amThis would be an easy thing to correct if the union wasn’t in the picture. I think that this defense contractor has heard of drug and alchahol testing. I’ll even go so far as to suggest they have a written policy covering this very thing. This company has apparently given too much power and control to the union and now we have drunk and stoned workers building equipment for our warriors. These low lifes are so confident that the union will protect them that they do this openly. I intend to contact this company and insist on knowing how they correct this asinine situation. I will be contacting my congressman also.
Report Post »blaaaaackwoman
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:09amMaybe everyone who posts here should be required to have random drug screenings as a prerequisite to being able to post. Come on Blaze, make everyone sign a contract agreeing they will not drink alcohol or take drugs while posting here. Many of the posts made here smell of a blood alcohol way above .08%. I wonder if Bush ever took drugs in college while he was learning to be leader of the world?
Report Post »green_manalishi
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:15amIt’s only because where right , RIGHT ! Truth hurts , ha ha ha
Report Post »ItsallaboutJesus
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:18amIf you think this is okay,and your comment proves you do, you are just as ignorant as the guys in this story! Tell us Why this is okay with you!
Report Post »Mohawk77
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:20amPlease keep your unveiled racist shots for us in the Tea Party. I‘ll assume you’re a black woman and how dare you seemingly approve of this dope smoking/drinking behavior.I guess since they‘re all black you assume we’re racists. Look in the mirror honey. We don’t give a dam what color their skin is moron racist.
Report Post »PoliticalSmackdown {Subscribe & Friend me on YouTube}
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:25amLOL silly liberal. the government has rules you have to have a drug free work environment.. besides everyone know most druggies are left of center.
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:25amWe know Obama smoked Pot and Cocaine while he was in College it’s in his book. We also know that Obama actively sought out the anarchist,radical,socialist and communist while he attended school because he identified with them….Again his own words.
Report Post »lynda1276
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:29amsorry- don’t get how your comments relate to the story..
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:31amAnd once again we see the problem with black as blaaaaackwoman goes on the defensive to protect blacks who are engaging in criminal activities. On par for the black community in general. Sure whites commit crimes as well but whites don’t rally the nieghborhood to get cop killers,rapist,and cocaine dealers released. More oiver whites don’t hold their violent criminal as martyrs or heroes no we condemn their behavior in hopes of sending a message to our youth. Here’s a clue there blaaaackwoman clean your house before you attack others.
Report Post »IAMMADDOG
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:31amGet real blaaaaaaaaaaack woman.
Report Post »ed0315
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:43amAhh yes, the quintessential black person standing up for a fellow black no matter what they do wrong, aka “The O.J. Simpson Syndrome”.
Report Post »JimmyP
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:45amGet over it, W ALREADY ADMITTED ALCOHOL ABUSE.
Report Post »Secret Squirrel
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:57am.
Blaaaackwoman:
Changing the subject doesn’t change the facts.
Oh, and “it‘s Bush’s fault” doesn’t work anymore, try to keep up.
Report Post »drago
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 12:03pmblaaaaackwoman is not just any liberal folks, thats the stupor liberal, encinom.
Report Post »bringiton
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 12:07pmHey, sk ank. Didn’t I see you on Hardcore Pawn last night. You useless parisite.
Report Post »Buck Shane
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 12:09pm@blaaaaackwoman
Report Post »I really don’t care what race someone is. I don’t care what someone chooses to drink, smoke, or inject. I believe in personal freedom.
There are reasons why these people can do this. They are protected by unions, the police are incompetent, the company is not vigilant, their coworkers have similar values, they have no self discipline.
I don’t care what race they are or what they do after work, but if the products they make will be used by others, they should be safe.
If the union tries to protect them, make the factory “right to work.” If the police do not jump on this the police commissioner should be replaced. If the company does not do random drug tests after this, their military contract should be pulled. If coworkers do not report buzzed workers, they are accomplices and should be fired. And, these people should never again be allowed to work for a defense contractor.
The issue is the safety of the product for the users. It will be fun to watch the excuses.
poster
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 12:10pmYou mean the TROOF hurts. Let’s make sure the posts can be read and understood in the vernacular.
Report Post »stogieguy7
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 12:11pmAgreed. It should begin the minute that the lives of our servicemen and women depend on the quality and precise alignment of words written in the comment section of the Blaze.
That’s called equivalence. I know it’s a big word for you, but it’s a good one.
Stogieguy7: saving America from inappropriate analogies, one ******* at a time!
Report Post »Buck Shane
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 12:17pm“Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee” probably got this company this contract – possibly for campaign donations, possibly for his ability to buy stock in a company about to receive a large government contract, possibly so he could claim to bring in jobs and reap those votes, and possibly, all the above.
Report Post »Lets watch his response to this. It will be telling.
john luther
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 12:49pmWhat point are you trying to make.Why is it that libs/dems/loons can never condem bad action from thier fellow libs/dems/loons.It is always yeah but what about those people look at what they do .So when did wrong behavior become ok just because someone else does it .
Report Post »killertofu
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 12:59pmUnlike the union members, we are not 1) on the job and 2) being funded my taxpayer dollars. I fail to see the relevance of your comment. Go away, troll.
Report Post »Alabama Patriot
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 1:25pmI take a random drug screening as a condition of employment. I am hired on the basis of remaining drug free. I do not drink on the job. Before you make a broad accusation you need to understand that those of us who work 65 hours a week and watch 32% of our income dissapear into a tax code that we don‘t understand and don’t like, are sick to death of watching the “balck” community moan and whine about every little nuance there is. Get a life and get a job.
Report Post »drattastic
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 2:12pmThat 85 IQ you have is really paying off isn’t it BLAAAAAACKwoman. Though I doubt your what your name identifies you as. Anyone wondering why I selected 85 as the IQ number? Do a little research and you’ll make an interesting discovery. BTW an 85 IQ used to be considered mildly retarded until a large segment of the population ( research ,research ) averaged that number . Then the mildly retarded bar was lowered to 70. But this info is just the tip of the ice burg.
Report Post »OneTermPresident
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 2:37pmYou pulled the Bush card out on this…. GEEZ!
Report Post »jihadazzkicker
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 2:42pmIn stead of bashing us …… why not bash those that disrespect YOUR race? It is YOU and your parasite friends who refuse to label and call out those who propagate ignorance. You are a waste of time, you have been brain washed, every one owes you something cuz use b l a c k. Indeed…use be a parasite on society.
Report Post »Buck Shane
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 3:31pm@ drattastic
Report Post »How Bell-igerant of you.
Welcome Black Carter
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 3:52pmYou really want to go there… we already know obummer used pot and coke while in school.
Report Post »We now know there was damage caused from the drug use…
TheWatchmanSeeth
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 4:58pmLets not forget the vacationer-in-charge whose picture is all over the internet smoking a fattie.
Report Post »jamestoms
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 6:26amGlad rthe Obama nurse showed up!
Report Post »Ohio Girl
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:09amThis is the same BS that was going on at GM.
Report Post »AJAYW
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:20am@ Ohio Girl
Report Post »You are correct, it goes on in most of the big union protected company’s, even with drug testing you can’t fire them if they test postive you have pay for their ( treatment ) and the expense of follow up test. Most gets 3 strikes before being dismissed. If someone test postive the unions should be paying for the treatment and the follow up testing for 5 years. This would stop it.
TXVET48
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:08amAnyone working on military equipment intended for use by our troops should be subjected to random drug/alcohol tests. Thats just common sense in today’s world. These union (useful) idiots should be fired immediately.
Report Post »BlackCrow
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:07amWhere are the cops? Throw them in jail!
Report Post »kentuckypatriot
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:30amExactly! Probably being paid off at our expense!
Report Post »aquablue
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:06amwowza. that’s crazy. to think of all the people who would love and deserve that job.
Report Post »ItsallaboutJesus
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:06amWell—- would you look at that! I just wouldn‘t believe it if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes! (Much Sarcasm) Oh yes, they will be protected! Worthless P’s OS!
Report Post »jagr1850
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:05amthe evidence should have them terminated immediately……once a pot head always a pot head….wtf
Report Post »Shasta
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:23amThey are union workers and won’t be touched.
Report Post »Once A Marine Always An American
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:25amNot true, I gave it up years ago. And have no interest in using it (recreationaly) again. I do support the medicinal uses of the drug however.
Report Post »iwalkalone
Posted on November 25, 2011 at 10:13pmAlcohol is addictive, marijuana is habit forming. Alcohol and marijuana together is an addictive habit. White collar and pink collar everywhere, repeat, everywhere use alcohol every single day. Check any restaurant from 1100 to 1900 hours. Every military and defense post serves alcohol with meals, without meals, and just for kicks. Marijuana, cocaine and other drugs are also used by all types of workers. 25 per cent of young women are taking prescription DRUGS for various mental problems and just for fun. Abuse of prescription drugs is a hidden but very real problem within the doctor profession, as well as the pushers to the above young ladies. Why pick on these guys? Its the whole society that is stupid.
Report Post »I even personnally have witnessed pilots of airliners drinking in their uniforms. I admit I did not ever see them go to work afterward, but still I wonder about their habitual use.
green_manalishi
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:05amBrotha got to do what a brotha got to do. And if a brotha want to fire one up at lunch and kick back with mother nature and a double duce,no cocky ******* is gonna say othewrwise, wada mean
Report Post »green_manalishi
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:13amDid you know Van Jones has a lisp and talks just like Daffy Duck. Thufferin thukatash ( very revealing)
Report Post »AJAYW
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:13amIs a cocky ******* the same thing as a brother rabbit.
Report Post »NOBALONEY
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:04amPanetta, Levin, The Pentagon, and the Obama administration are downgrading our defenses.
Report Post »AntipasMetochos
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:00amThey‘re just fleshin’ out Bush #1′s “thousand pints of lite.”
Report Post »sawbuck
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 10:59amGotta love Unions…!
Report Post »They sit there knowing..They have the best benifits,a great living wage.
You would think they where on the skids.
They dont look any different than guys you see “just hangin” in the getto.
Makes me sick….!
Made in America..yea right..!
1casawizard
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 10:59amThese people have been doing it so long and getting by with it that they don’t care. Random drug screens will weed out those that don’t want to work. Sad but true
Report Post »dmerwin
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 10:59amMilitary contracting should have the same drug policies as the military, mandatory testing. Other people would like to have that job. I really wouldn’t care if they were smart enough to wait til they were off duty, but this is “in your face, we don’t care”.
Report Post »ZaphodsPlanet
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 1:25pmWe should also drug test our politicians…. and like these losers…. they should be fired and deemed “unfit for duty” if they pop positive in a wiz quiz.
Report Post »dmerwin
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 4:48pmZaphodsPlanet
Report Post »Fair enough, other government employees have to.
turkey13
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 10:57amHey – no big deal. These folks are protect by the union and the Aclu – they have rights just like you. Wouldn’t you rather have a car made by a happy worker than an angry bored worker. If you have doubts about the intergity of the car just buy a Mercedes or BMW like all the lawyers do.
Report Post »DetroitMarauder
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 10:56amCrap…
Report Post »www.Cryptoportico.com
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 10:54amI love unions! Power to the workers!
http://www.facebook.com/Socialist.Indoctrination
Report Post »Ken
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 10:59amLet me guess…you‘re one of those union MORONS sitting outside the factory and suckin’ on a doobee, right??? Really??? Didya ever locate Jimmy Hoffa Sr.?
Report Post »www.Cryptoportico.com
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 2:21pmsar·casm noun
1. harsh or bitter derision or irony.
Report Post »2. a sharply ironical taunt; sneering or cutting remark: a review full of sarcasms.
BO_Bill
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 10:53amBut… It is their culture.
Report Post »poster
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 12:19pmYes… well said. We must understand their culture.
Would that be the same culture where sperm donors don’t marry their b_tches?
Would this be the same culture where the phrase, “know wut I’m sayin?” is used after every sentence?
The same culture where the male waist has moved to below the ass cheeks?
The same culture that depends on whitey crackers to support them for life?
The same culture, that when in political power, operates the most corrupt governments in the country — namely Detroit, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, LA, and so on.
Do you mean THAT culture?
Report Post »piper60
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 10:52amIf they are aware of the problem, WHY DON’T THEY DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT?
Report Post »cemerius
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 11:32am2 reasons…..racism charges or strike ability…..sad state of the world we live in….
Report Post »Mtroom
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 12:46pmThey are doing something…Out sourcing to China …
Report Post »YoungBloodNews
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 10:52amCome on guys, I know times are tough right now but cant you AT LEAST wait until your at home to indulge?
Report Post »MrSunshine
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 10:51amAren’t unions great!
Report Post »cemerius
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 10:50amCan’t relocate like boeing tried to do……THIS administration backs it’s union thugs!!! I am a Union Member and I am subjected to drug testing why aren’t these criminals treated the same???
Report Post »ChiefGeorge
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 10:57amThe American worker is self destructive.
Report Post »This_Individual
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 10:50amThe dude with the Tigers hat; Isn’t he the mayor of Detroit?
Report Post »BurntHills
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 10:50amfrightening. no wonder our military equipment is defective and soldiers are getting killed.
Report Post »AJAYW
Posted on November 23, 2011 at 10:49am10 to 1 that the union protects this idiot, This is what the hard working people that are forced to join these unions, dues goes for PROTECTING THE DEAD BEATS
Report Post »