Taking time from cramming for mid-terms, students from the George Washington (GW) University and members of DC Jobs with Justice’s Student Labor Action Project joined striking Wings workers on a delegation to the university to demand that the institution take action to ensure a rapid resolution of the strike. rnrnWorkers at Wings are know as “rodmen” and do the tough work of placing the reinforcing steel in the concrete structure of buildings. The company – the biggest of its type in the region – does work on campuses around the area, including University of Maryland – College Mark and George Mason University, in addition to GW.rnrn”In 2008 I suffered an accident on the job,” explained Mauricio, one of the striking workers. “I was working on a wall and the foreman asked me to come down to the floor. I was descending slowly but the foreman shouted at me that I should come down more quickly. When I jumped down I seriously injured my left foot and left shin. The company did not offer to provide any medical attention, pay for the days I missed or compensate me for my injury.” rnrnStudents also requested that the company launch an investigation into working conditions for Wings workers on the Square 54 construction site, which is being managed by Boston Properties and Clark Construction Group. “As GW students, it’s important to us that the workers building our facilities are treated fairly,” said Aaron Keshner, a student at GW and leader of the Progressive Student Union. “We had a good discussion with the president’s office, and will work to ensure that they follow up on their word.” rnrn-Jo Tso, DC SLAP
