Target Center green roof workers on strike

Workers on the Target Center's new green roof are on strike this morning over their right to unionize.

Last update: June 11, 2009 - 9:01 AM

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Workers on the Target Center's new green roof are on strike this morning over their right to unionize after a clash regarding safe working conditions and pay.

The employees of Stock Roofing Company, a subsidiary of Tecta America Corp., went on strike outside the Target Center, 600 1st Ave. S. in Minneapolis, early today.

About two dozen people carrying signs that said "On strike, unfair labor practices" were gathered at the Northeast corner of Target Center along First Avenue at 7 a.m. No police were on the scene.

Since April, the more than a dozen workers have alleged that Stock Roofing has had them work in the dark without safety equipment, and has shorted them up to $20 pay per hour on the city-funded project. Roofers and Waterproofers Local 96 have joined the workers in their campaign to complain about the conditions, as well as to attempt to join the workers into the union.

Stock representatives have countered that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has visited the site and deemed it safe, and that roofers and landscapers are paid per their jobs. Because it's a green roof, landscaping is taking place on the roof.

A complaint has been filed with the National Labor Relations Board, and Local 96 representatives have asked the Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development Department and other city officials to shut down the project until the charges are investigated.

Stock Roofing won the rights to build the roof last December with a bid of $5.3 million.

Staff writer Bob Von Sternberg contributed to this report.

ABBY SIMONS