Steelworkers Director: Central Wisconsin Company Needs a Union

A top United Steelworkers official says a Wausau area company, cited for violating federal safety rules, needs a union.

Imperial Industries of Rothschild faces $161,000 in penalties from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for allegedly exposing its welders to hazardous levels of hexavalent chromium, a chemical that can cause lung cancer as well as respiratory, eye, and skin damage.

Michael Bolton, United Steelworkers Director for Wisconsin and Michigan, said the alleged violations wouldn’t have happened if the workers organized.

“I’m thankful that somebody is watching over those employees and trying to stop this company from putting them in harm’s way,” said Bolton. “My other reaction is, maybe they need a union.”

In a written statement, Imperial Industries said, “Employee health and safety is our number one priority. We are addressing any issues raised by OSHA.”

The company said “no other statements will be made at this time.”