Workers at Jescraft, a materials handling company in Oxford, Conn., walked off the job Monday with backing from the Iron Workers Union, citing persistent safety hazards and demanding the company recognize their union and negotiate a contract.
Employees organizing under the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Iron Workers say they are regularly exposed to unsafe conditions, including malfunctioning equipment and inadequate facility maintenance.
“The roof leaks when it snows or rains, and the welding areas and electrical outlets get wet,” said Domenic Lewis, a welder at the company. “This has been addressed multiple times but has not been taken seriously.”
Push for recognition
The walkout follows two appeals to management, including a formal delivery of voluntary recognition papers last Friday. After receiving no response, workers opted to strike in an effort to pressure company leadership into negotiations.
“Our priority is the safety and well-being of every worker,” said John Bielak, executive director of the Iron Workers International Organizing Department. “The situation at Jescraft underscores the urgent need for a fair contract that addresses both workplace safety and the rights of our members.”
Ongoing demands
Workers allege the company has failed to maintain critical machinery, forcing them to move heavy materials by hand, and have raised repeated concerns about unsafe working conditions. The union says it hopes the strike will prompt Jescraft to return to the table and engage in good-faith bargaining.
The Iron Workers Union represents about 130,000 members in North America, including those working on structural steel, rebar, bridges, and clean energy projects, as well as in fabrication shops.
