SureBuilt Factory Workers Announce Union Organizing Campaign Demanding Safety Improvements Following Fire, Major Injury

Failure of smoke detectors, nonexistent evacuation plan, lack of machine maintenance lead to worker complaints, ongoing preventable injuries

For immediate release

*Workers, union, and Arise representatives available for interview upon request.

Photos from the 3.19.25 press conference available here.

Media Contact:

Shelly Ruzicka, Arise Chicago

773-251-5003

Melrose Park, IL–Workers from SureBuilt Concrete Forms and Accessories report that within two days, the suburban factory had two major safety issues: a fire and a severe injury. These safety issues follow years of preventable injuries without action from the company. Braving the rain at a March 19th press conference and rally, SureBuilt workers announced their campaign to unionize with the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Painters District 14 to improve conditions. The company manufactures rebar and other construction materials.

On March 13, 2025 a fire broke out in the Melrose Park factory. Despite the fire, smoke detectors did not alarm, and the fire department did not arrive. The workers have no knowledge of the company ever contacting the fire department. 

“There was so much smoke and it was very chaotic. We didn’t know what to do or where to go. We don’t have an evacuation plan. They told us to go to the lunch room. We need safer jobs and we need our union,” said Mireya Lopez, a five-year SureBuilt worker.

Teresa Velasquez, who has worked at SureBuilt for four years, also witnessed the fire. “I saw my coworker trying to put out the fire and I was so scared he would be burned. No alarms went off, and the company didn't take us outside.”

One day later, on March 14, 2025 a machine caught on a worker’s arm, cutting him in several places and breaking his arm clean through. Rather than allow EMTs into the building, managers took the worker outside. Workers believe this may be to prevent reports of injuries at the factory. The worker’s broken arm comes after years of preventable injuries, particularly hand injuries.

Worker Ricardo Castañon with nine years at SureBuilts said, “We want safety at SureBuilt. Safety of the machines, because there are so many injuries. Just last week a young man was badly injured. This is just the most recent incident. Sadly, this major injury was not the first and likely will not be the last. I myself suffered an injury at SureBuilt. Many of us have had fingers cut or severed in the old machines that are not well-maintained. We demand safe jobs at SureBuilt. That is why we are organizing our union!”

SureBuilt moved from its previous Bellwood location to a new facility in Melrose Park, ensuring workers the new building would solve its many safety issues. However, the company did not replace any old machines and according to workers, does not perform needed maintenance to keep machines safe. Additionally, while the company did add in extractors at the new facility to help remove dust in response to workers’ demands last summer, workers report there are still large amounts of smoke and dust in the factory daily. 

“Every morning I walk in and there’s smoke everywhere” said 7-year SureBuilt worker, Carlos Sosa. “We are demanding safer jobs at SureBuilt. And we are proud to announce our union campaign with the Painters Union!”

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Painters District 14 Organizer Enrique Campos stated, “Workers have reported ongoing injuries and safety concerns. Just last week, they told us a worker’s arm was broken and he passed out in pain. Managers lifted him up and put him in a cart and took him outside the building for the ambulance to pick him up, instead of letting the EMTs come inside to care for the worker. This is completely unacceptable! It is clear that workers need safety protections at SureBuilt, and we are proud to support their efforts to improve conditions.”

The fire and injury follow SureBuilt recently laying off several workers, in what the workers believe is retaliation for their organizing to improve working conditions. 

Workers contacted worker rights organization, Arise Chicago, reporting low wages and major safety concerns in March 2024. Their organizing led to safety improvements including adding air extractors to clear dangerous dust for welders in the new location of Melrose Park, IL. Arise continues supporting SureBuilt workers in their new union drive.

“The workers at Sure Built are an example of courage and unity. Their organizing towards unionization is an inspiration for other workers. No worker should have to wonder if they will come home safe each day from work. The SureBuilt workers are demonstrating how to stand up against dangerous jobs and to fight for safe, unionized workplaces.” Said Moises Zavala, Workplace Justice Campaign Organizer with Arise Chicago.  

Photos from the action available here.

*Workers, union, and Arise representatives available for interview upon request.

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