Union warehouse workers protest over wage dispute
The Warehouse Workers United union has filed a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration citing unsafe working conditions and disputes over warehouse hazards, California newspaper The Sun reported. Dozens of union members gathered to protest in front of Olivet International in Jurupal Valley, Calif., to speak out against dangerous workplace conditions, such as blocked fire exits, damaged forklifts, propane tank leaks and other hazards. The union filed a 19-page complaint against Olivet, a luggage, apparel and pet product supplier that packages goods for Wal-Mart and other retailers.
The rally comes after a previous class-action lawsuit was filed against Wal-Mart for negligence in hiring contractors at distribution centers. Warehouse Workers United filed the complaint in November 2012 over unpaid compensation for time and attendance, among other issues. Union leaders who helped organize the rallies said they will push for OSHA to take their complaints seriously. Guadalupe Palma, director of Warehouse Workers United, spoke to The Sun about the situation.
"Overall what we've seen within the whole industry in the Inland Empire is that there are health and safety and stolen wages and hours violations and when workers speak out there is retaliation," Palma said.
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