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04/28/2010 08:33 PM

Construction workers demand fair pay and safe conditions

By: News 8 Austin Staff

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Dozens of workers and their supporters rallied outside two luxury condos, demanding fair pay and safe conditions.

Protestors said 25 workers from two separate projects have come forward saying they have yet to be paid for work that is already completed at complexes that are already open for business.

The workers said contractors and owners for the 21 Rio Grande plaza and the Gables Park Plaza still owe them more than $120,000. Contractor Greater Metroplex Interiors has been negotiating with the workers through the Workers Defense Project, but says they're not contractually responsible for paying the workers.

The Workers Defense Project said it has attempted to negotiate a fair settlement with the contractors and the owners, but said so far, the companies have only offered to pay about $19,000.

Safety was also a major focus of the protest.

Three workers were killed while working on a construction project at 21 Rio Grande in 2009. Four construction companies were cited for safety violations after the scaffolding collapsed.

"We would like to see these developers, these construction companies step up and take responsibility to recognize it is their responsibility to ensure safe working conditions, and to ensure that workers are paid for every bit of work we do, and to not let these abuses go unchecked on their work sites," Emily Timm, with the Workers Defense Project, said.

The Workers Defense Project conducted a study that it said shows workers who are denied payment for their work are also more likely not to receive safety training.