"Chicago area workers cite dangerous conditions in filing for union"

Employees of a Chicago-area manufacturer have filed for a union election to address unsafe working conditions that have resulted in multiple severe injuries. Workers at SureBuilt, a producer of concrete construction products, reported 23 injuries in 2024 at their Melrose Park facility.

They also allege that on March 13, a fire broke out and the company’s fire detectors failed to alert workers. Later that same week, a worker’s arm was cut in several places and broken by a machine...

“When I was assigned to my machine at SureBuilt, I only received a total of 5 minutes of training,” said Mireya, who’s worked at SureBuilt for five years. “Obviously, no one can work safely like that. We are working on very old, unmaintained machines. This puts our safety at risk. We need safe jobs and respect from SureBuilt. That’s why we’re fighting for our union and why we’re going to win!”...

...they reported mistreatment, low wages, and major safety concerns...workers continue to suffer injuries like severe cuts and severed fingers “without significant action from management.” They also said a SureBuilt worker suffered a broken pelvis after two tons of materials fell on him. ..

“Many workers with severed fingers, a recent fire where no smoke detectors went off,” Barraza said. “We’re so proud to be organizing alongside Arise Chicago and the brave SureBuilt workers.”...