Ascent Warner Center Up In Smoke

It never ceases to amaze me how some developers will cut corners on construction by hiring non-union subcontractors then act surprised when things don’t work out. Today I turned on the radio to hear the news of a fire at a project I’m only too familiar with; The Ascent in Warner Center. I’ve referred to this project as the “Ass-Scent” in the past. I’ve visited this job site many times and I’ve always been amazed that inspectors haven’t shut it down. In my opinion the quality of construction is terrible.

I’ve worked in the industry for 20 years. My first union electrical construction project was the Trillium just 2 building to the North. For 20 years I’ve driven by those towers and thought what a great job we did. I’m proud of those towers. It’s a good thing too because this is my neighborhood. I’ve lived here all my life. We don’t need KB Homes building some cheap ass second rate piece of crap in the San Fernando Valley. Shame on them!

There was a concern at one point that the fire might spread to another recently completed project to the North. That didn’t happen. Thank God all the workers at the Ascent were able to escape! Had the Santa Ana winds been fanning the flames, this poorly constructed (in my opinion) residential tinderbox could have turned out to be a catastrophe.

Afterwards workers hanging out across the street were warned not to speculate about the cause of the fire, but the word was already out….. According to 2 electricians on the scene, sparks were seen falling in a bathroom shortly before the evacuation. Where were the fire extinguishers??? Were they even used? Were they charged? Was someone cutting a corner? Will someone please ask these questions in the coming days?

Dozens of fire trucks lined Irwin Street and smoke continued to bellow from the center of the mostly wood residential project. A fast walking WRI employee said he had never been on a project that caught fire in the past. I pressed him for more information but was told that arson investigators are on the scene and that he had no more comments.

There were early reports in the news that the building is a total loss. I think this is a little premature. The fire fighters seem to think it was contained to the 4th floor. What I can tell you is that anyone that purchases one of these condominiums should have their head examined. Why would anyone want to take the risk? And why would any insurance company want to touch it? If the Building and Safety Department doesn’t take a closer look at other residential projects more problems like these could arise or should I say “Ascend”.

Lawsuit Filed Against Company after Reported Attack on Union Organizers

A civil rights lawsuit was filed on Monday against owners of Hirex Construction and others according to a story appearing on the Los Angeles and Orange County Building and Construction Trades web site after five organizers were reportedly attacked while conducting lawful union activity. Picketing at the 10th Street and San Pedro Street project continued again today with union members in high spirits offering their support. Starbucks coffee and doughnuts were provided this morning. Work appears to have been halted at the site.

Big Turn-Out for Rally

Over 300 community activists and Building Trades supporters from as far away as San Diego packed the corner at 10th Street and San Pedro in Los Angeles. The crowd began to assemble in the mostly industrial area at 5am. The event was billed as a Stop The Violence Rally in reaction to recent attacks on construction organizers. Two large inflatable rats were set up. Signs and flags reading, “Stop The Violence” were distributed. Richard Slawson Executive-Secretary of the Los Angeles and Orange County Building & Construction Trades Council addressed the crowd by megaphone while standing in the back of a pick-up truck. A Declaration of March 14, 2008 was distributed which read as follows;

“Hirex Construction and the Developer on the 10th & San Pedro Project, will not get away with Violence against Union members.”

Everyone in the 16 million member strong, American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations, will contribute money, manpower and votes to make it absolutely clear that no business owner will escape the consequences of any physical harm done to a worker, Union representative or organizer.

On March 14th , the Hirex Construction Company, allowed its job site bosses to physically attack six Union Business Representatives, Organizers and members who were using legal rights to inform the public that there are workers being underpaid on the 10th & San Pedro Project.

Legal Action will be taken to the full extent of the law to shut down this project and fine and jail those responsible for the physical attacks on out Brothers of the Labor Movement.

The actions by Hirex management employees are an example of the lengths that business will go to exact the last drop of excess profit from their workers. It looks as though nothing has changed in more than 200 years of labor’s work for fair labor rights. Business is continuing to resort to the basest tactics, even violence, to gain indecent profits gouged from workers pay, benefits and conditions.

The Declaration ended with “Profiteers will not win. Workers will win!”

Stop The Violence Rally Set For Monday

Union organizers were allegedly attacked on Friday March 13th at a construction site located in the 700 block of East 10th Street, Los Angeles, CA. Members of the community are planning a Stop The Violence Rally for the morning of Monday March 17th at 7am at the same location. Labor and community groups are urging local residents to join together in a sign of solidarity with the organizers who are trying to help the workers at the site.

Announcing the New Union Organizer Video Newsletter

This new format will be available for viewing on various social media sites as well as UnionOrganizer.com . The series will offer tips for organizers to increase their effectiveness without burning out. In the first issue I review Microsoft's Streets and Trips Software with GPS Locator. Several construction organizers have recommended this program to me for planning travel routes and tracking job sites. Click on the play button above to see if I recommended it, or not.....