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.
The workers announced Tuesday that they have filed for a union election with the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT).
“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!”
The announcement was made during a press conference at IUPAT’s District Council 14 building, which was organized with the help of Arise Chicago, a nonprofit community organization.
Arise Chicago organizers said they were first contacted by SureBuilt workers in March 2024 when they reported mistreatment, low wages, and major safety concerns. While air extractors were added to clear dust for welders, organizers said 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.
“The injuries and hazards we heard about at SureBuilt are the kind of things from pre-union days,” said Al Barraza, Director of Organizing at Painters District Council 14.
“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.”
Moises Zavala, an organizer with Arise Chicago, said the SureBuilt workers’ union organizing efforts serve as a model for others, especially immigrant workers.
“The SureBuilt workers and their courage is an example to the rest of the working class to defend your rights and lift up the labor movement in this country,” Zavala said. “Now more than ever it is important that we organize and unite!”
To learn more about Arise Chicago, visit the organization’s website at arisechicago.org.
SureBuilt is a national company with 11 locations across the U.S.
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