LABORERS FILE SECOND CHILD LABOR COMPLAINT IN TWO WEEKS OVER WORK AT TWIN CITIES SCHOOLS

Laborers Local 563 found apparent underage worker with no safety equipment on Minnetonka’s Scenic Heights Elementary construction project

Saint Paul, MN (July 15, 2014) – A formal complaint was submitted today to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry and the United States Department of Labor on behalf of Laborers International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 563,regarding a possible violation of child labor laws at a construction site at a Minnetonka, Minnesota elementary school.

The complaint, verified by union representatives, documents that a minor child was apparently working on a concrete pour at Scenic Heights Elementary School at 5650 Scenic Heights Drive, in Minnetonka. A representative of Local 563 was at the school for an unrelated matter, when he noticed the boy, who appeared to be underage. The boy initially claimed to be 18, but a co-worker who the boy identified as his father admitted that the boy was not an adult.

The complaint is the second of its kind filed by the Laborers in the past two weeks. Previously, a child was discovered working on a similar school renovation project in nearby Edina.

“It’s becoming clear that these aren’t isolated incidents, but rather a disturbing trend of contractors cutting corners and putting children in harm’s way,” said Tim Mackey, Business Manager for Laborers Local 563. “Children should be learning in the classroom, not building them.”

Mackey said that the Minnetonka School District has not yet responded to the complaint. “This is serious and the school district needs to understand that,” said Mackey. “And if the school district thinks this is limited to child labor, they may be in for a surprise. A contractor that permits child labor on a construction site may also be cutting corners when he comes to construction quality and public safety.”

Mackey says Local 563 intends to see this issue through to a conclusion. “We intend to make sure all the responsible parties are held accountable, and we will keep our eyes open for further potential violations. With so many skilled and well-trained workers eager to work, there is no need for any child – especially a child without proper training and safety gear- to be on a job site.”

About LiUNA:

Chartered in 1968 by the Laborers International Union of North America, LiUNA, the Laborers District Council of MN and ND and its seven affiliated Local Unions represent about 12,000 workers in Minnesota, North Dakota and Northwestern Wisconsin. For more information check out their website or Facebook page http://www.minnesotalaborers.org or http://www.facebook.com/MinnesotaLaborers