MCAA, UA Release Joint Statement Condemning Workplace Violence in Wake of Amber Czech Murder

On November 11, Amber Czech, a 20-year-old welder working in Cokato, Minnesota was attacked and killed in her office at Advance Course of Applied sciences, a producer of meals processing tools. Prosecutors have charged her killer with second-degree homicide.

UA, MCAA Response

In response, United Affiliation of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) Normal President Mark McManus and Mechanical Contractors Affiliation of America (MCAA) President Brian Hughes have issued a joint assertion that reads: 

“The United Affiliation and the MCAA are saddened by the mindless homicide of Amber Czech, a 20-year-old welder on the very starting of what ought to have been a protracted and profitable profession. 

“Regardless that she was not a member, Amber deserved the exact same protections and security on the jobsite that kind the spine of our organizations. Each employee—no matter gender, race, id, affiliation with a union, or some other circumstance—deserves to come back dwelling safely from the job every single day. Much more, each employee deserves the identical fundamental dignity from their coworkers to create a secure and respectful work surroundings.

“On the UA and the MCAA, we’re proud to companion collectively to vary the tradition of the jobsite for the higher. It’s on all of us to look out for our Brothers and Sisters, to talk up when one thing isn’t proper, and to forestall the type of harassment and bullying that results in tragedy. Each employee deserves respect, security,and dignity, interval.

“We hope that staff throughout North America will honor Amber’s reminiscence and use her legacy to vary the tradition in our trade and shield our Brothers and Sisters on and off the jobsite.”

A Nationwide Downside

Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Deadly Occupational Accidents (CFOI), of the 5,283 deadly office accidents that occurred in america in 2023 (the final yr for which knowledge is obtainable), 740 fatalities had been on account of violent acts. Homicides (458) accounted for 61.9 p.c of violent acts and eight.7 p.c of all work-related fatalities.

To be taught extra about danger elements that may result in office violence and steps that may be taken to forestall office violence, go to https://www.osha.gov/workplace-violence.