Striking Iron Workers Take Battle To Next Level

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

Striking iron workers took their 8-month battle for justice to La Plata on Friday. Accompanied by representatives of DC Jobs with Justice and six Union Summer interns, the iron workers - who have been on strike against Wings Construction since October 2009 -- demanded to speak to the owner of Facchina Construction, a general contractor that subcontracts work to Wings. The workers, who say they're treated "like slaves," want Facchina to stop hiring Wings until their demands for improved job safety, health insurance and better wages are met. When no-one from Facchina was available to meet with them, the workers left information about their concerns and plan to follow up in the coming weeks with the company, as well as with other general contractors who use Wings. "Enough is enough," said one of the workers. - Jasmine Butler & Ryan Carty, AFL-CIO Union Summer Interns; photo by Ryan Carty