Business & Tech

Steelworkers Protest at New Kenny Ross Dealership

Construction managers at the site report the protest to police.

were called earlier this week to a University Boulevard construction site after steelworkers assembled in protest against the use of Rankin-based Trinity Steel products.

The steelworkers said they object to the use of Trinity fabricated steel in the construction of the , which is to open in December. Trinity Steel, formerly known as W&K Steel, was found earlier this year to be in violation of Allegheny County's anti-sweatshop ordinance.

Moon Police Chief Leo McCarthy said construction managers at the site called police early Tuesday morning when the protesters set up signs at the intersection of University Boulevard and Port Authority Drive. Police made no arrests, and the steelworkers were allowed to remain at the site.

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"They were standing in what's called a public right of way," said Moon Police Chief Leo McCarthy. "The men protesting were totally cooperative and peaceful, and they were allowed to remain there to exercise their First Amendment rights."

Protestors spent much of Tuesday and Wednesday at the construction site bearing a sign that read "A sweatshop is fabricating steel for this project," while work on the 48,000 square-foot continued behind them.

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"We're just trying to educate the public," said Tim Hand, an employee on strike from Trinity Steel. "It's important that they know what goes on [at Trinity Steel]."

Hand said steelworkers from Trinity have protested at other area construction sites in recent months, of the new , where primary contractor Reginella Construction is using Trinity products in the building's renovation.

Besides violating the county's anti-sweatshop ordinance, Trinity received multiple citations for violations of Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations. The company declared bankruptcy earlier this year while still under the W&K name.

Hand, who stood alongside two other striking workers Wednesday, said the group plans to return to the site.

"We're here to let people know about the working conditions at W&K [Trinity]," Hand said. "A sweatshop made that steel."

Ross Development, which oversees construction on the building, could not be reached for comment.


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