Shipyard workers rally for union recognition

By Bianca Buono

bbuono@abc6.com

@BBuonoABC6

Just moments before clocking in for work Thursday morning, dozens of shipyard employees at J. Goodison rallied outside the company’s headquarters. The majority of the estimated 50 full-time employees at the marine services company are seeking union recognition.

"We think that any issues and problems that exist at any workplace can be solved with collective bargaining which is mutually advantageous for the workers and the company,” said union representative Justin Kelley.

Employees shared horror stories from the years they’ve been working there, saying the company doesn’t view their safety as a priority.

"I have a 7-year-old daughter. I want to see my daughter everyday I go home. But with this company I don’t know everyday if I go home,” said employee David Osuna.

"We are being at risk. Especially with the lead. We are working in these conditions over here and we bring lead into our homes, our children,” said employee Porfirio Fernandes.

ABC6 reached out to J. Goodison and the company declined to comment.

"We’ll likely end up filing for an election unless the company wants to sit down and voluntarily recognize,” said Kelley.

© WLNE-TV 2016