Berkeley construction workers protest unfair wages, unsafe practices

Members of the Iron Workers Union began protesting last week outside an eight-story, 207-unit apartment complex under construction at 1598 University Ave. Union members say the project’s general contractor, Synergy Modular, is allowing unsafe construction practices and underpaying its workers. In response, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, sent Synergy Modular a list of complaints that it has not yet resolved.

“The point of the picket is to get the workers what they deserve,” said James Ashcroft, a business agent for Ironworkers Local 378.

Ricardo Sandoval, an ironworker for 18 years and district council organizer for the Iron Workers Union, alleged that ironworkers at the site were not using proper equipment when constructing the building’s walls. Sandoval sent photos of what he called “unsafe” construction practices to OSHA, which then sent Synergy Modular a letter demanding that the company correct the errors on site.

When asked for comment, Synergy Modular general counsel Kerry Loree said the company had conducted an internal investigation and “found no merit” to the allegations, adding that it was currently working with the California Division of OSHA to clarify them.

Union members also complained about “substandard” pay conditions given to workers. Ashcroft said the ironworkers he spoke with at the site were paid $21 to $25 an hour, with no health insurance or benefits. According to Ashcroft, the going rate in the region is $52.08 per hour, plus $6.10 per hour for paid vacation, plus a benefits and pension package.

However, Synergy Modular claimed that all of its employees at the site have health, dental and life insurance, as well as a 401(k). According to Ashcroft, of around 12 ironworkers on site, Synergy directly employs five.

Ashcroft alleged that Synergy Modular reduced opportunities for local East Bay workers by hiring out-of-state workers for lower wages.

“I know for a fact that one of the contractors bid on the project and there are a number of Alameda residents who would have been there to work on this project,” Ashcroft said. “We (need) workers who are paid a decent wage and come from the area where they can reinvest the money into the local economy.”

Sandoval said the union will continue its University Avenue picket until Synergy Modular meets its demands.

The picketing comes months before the city of Berkeley’s hard hat ordinance takes effect Jan. 1, a measure aimed at improving pay and working conditions for construction workers. The ordinance requires contractors to provide workers with health insurance for at least 180 days before receiving a bid on a construction project.

Sophie Hahn, city councilor and mayoral candidate, stressed the importance of the union’s efforts at 1598 University Avenue to ensure construction quality and worker safety, echoing the intent of the ordinance.

“We cannot ask workers to build the housing we need with wages so low that they themselves cannot afford to live in the Bay Area,” Hahn said in an email.