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 gear. Prosecutors have charged her killer with second-degree homicide.

UA, MCAA Response

In response, United Affiliation of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) Basic 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 an extended and profitable profession. 

“Despite the fact 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, identification, affiliation with a union, or some other circumstance—deserves to return residence safely from the job on daily basis. Much more, each employee deserves the identical fundamental dignity from their coworkers to create a protected and respectful work setting.

“On the UA and the MCAA, we’re proud to companion collectively to alter 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 sort of harassment and bullying that results in tragedy. Each employee deserves respect, security,and dignity, interval.

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

A Nationwide Drawback

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 on the market), 740 fatalities had been as a consequence of violent acts. Homicides (458) accounted for 61.9 % of violent acts and eight.7 % 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.