Construction workers want back after walking off job sites over coronavirus safety

Construction workers

Construction workers in Massachusetts signaled Monday they’re able to return to figure after setting down their tools and walking off job sites fortnight ago over coronavirus safety concerns.

The state’s largest construction union on Monday said members would return to figure if contractors plan to social distancing and other measures to limit the spread of the highly infectious virus on work sites.

“Though there are still concerns about COVID-19 in Massachusetts, the union believes that our contractors and members are committed to making and maintaining a secure work environment. For that reason, we are advising you that, effective April 21st, we aren't directing you to cease working,” Joseph Byrne, secretary to the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters wrote during a letter to members.

The union — which represents 10,000 carpenters in Massachusetts — directed members to prevent performing on April 6. subsequent day, the state’s biggest painters’ union followed suit. The Massachusetts Building Trades Council also threw its support behind the actions and called on Gov. Charlie Baker to halt most construction within the state, something the governor has declined to try to to .

Byrne said the newest communication to union members “is not a directive or order for members to return to figure ,” but rather a step within the direction of getting carpenters back to figure provided necessary safety measures are followed. during a twin letter to construction partners, the union urged employers “to not retaliate” against union workers who choose to not return to figure and asked them to not fight unemployment claims.

Construction bans continue Boston, Somerville and Cambridge, but absent a statewide ban, construction has continued in other parts of the state. Union workers have protested outside many of the projects in recent weeks accusing contractors of disregarding workers’ safety on crowded job sites.

The union letter comes as Boston Mayor Martin Walsh last week indicated he wanted to resume construction, though he stopped in need of lifting the ban.