United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) General President Mark McManus and Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) President Brian Hughes issued a joint statement on November 25 following the tragic murder of welder Amber Czech in Minnesota:
“The United Association and the MCAA are saddened by the senseless murder of Amber Czech, a 20-year-old welder at the very beginning of what should have been a long and successful career. Even though she was not a member, Amber deserved the very same protections and safety on the jobsite that form the backbone of our organizations. Every worker – regardless of gender, race, identity, affiliation with a union, or any other circumstance – deserves to come home safely from the job every day. Even more, every worker deserves the same basic dignity from their coworkers to create a safe and respectful work environment.
“At the UA and the MCAA, we are proud to partner together to change the culture of the jobsite for the better. It is on all of us to look out for our Brothers and Sisters, to speak up when something isn’t right, and to prevent the kind of harassment and bullying that leads to tragedy. Every worker deserves respect, safety, and dignity, period.
“We hope that workers across North America will honor Amber’s memory and use her legacy to change the culture in our industry and protect our Brothers and Sisters on and off the jobsite.”
Wendy Glauber, Chair of MCAA’s Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) added her thoughts:
On behalf of the Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI), we mourn the heartbreaking loss of our 20-year-old sister in the trades, Amber Czech. Amber was at the start of a bright and promising future – tragically cut short by senseless workplace violence we strongly condemn.
Our thoughts are with Amber’s family, friends, classmates, and colleagues during this unimaginable time. May we honor her memory by standing together and continuing to advocate for safe, respectful workplaces for all.”
