Los Angeles, CA – The LA/OC Building & Construction Trades Council, which represents 48 local unions and over 160,000 skilled workers across Southern California, is horrified by the tragic and senseless killing of 20-year-old Amber Czech in Cokato, Minnesota. Amber’s death has highlighted the urgent need for stronger protections for women in the workforce, especially in construction, and for increased transparency in workplace harassment reporting.
Amber’s tragic death is a shocking reminder of the ongoing risks faced by women in the workplace, particularly in industries where they are often underrepresented. We stand in unison with trade groups around the country in support of enhanced safety measures, clearer harassment reporting systems, and comprehensive assistance for workers facing abuse or discrimination.
“Violence has no place at any job site” said Ernesto Medrano, Executive Secretary of the LA/OC Building Trades. “Too many tradeswomen have endured harassment, threats, and targeted violence in the workplace, and it is our responsibility to be a part of the solution. Every worker should be able to be free from fear and harm at their job.”
The LA/OC Building Trades will continue to push for comprehensive reforms and engage in open conversations with employers, unions, and policymakers to create a safer, more inclusive construction industry. This includes actively working in concert with state and national organizations to advocate policy changes that will protect all workers from workplace violence.
For more information on violence in the workplace and reducing workplace violence hazards, you can visit https://www.osha.gov/workplace-violence.
About LA/OC Building Trades
The Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council represents 48 local unions and district councils in 14 Trades. Our more than 160,000 skilled members work on landmark projects across Southern California, from transit and schools to stadiums and housing. We advocate for safe, fair, and equitable working conditions and supports policies that protect the rights of workers in the construction industry. For more information about the LA/OC Building Trades, please visit https://laocbuildingtrades.org/.
