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Wage theft claims continues over Houston hospital project
More workers are coming forward with allegations of wage theft and harsh conditions at the multi-billion-dollar LBJ Hospital expansion project in Northeast Houston. FOX 26's Angie Rodriguez spoke to a former worker and shares the response from Harris County officials.
HOUSTON - More workers are coming forward with allegations of wage theft and harsh conditions at the multi-billion-dollar LBJ Hospital expansion project in Northeast Houston. Local union leaders claim contractors are failing to properly pay their employees.
‘Drastic’ Drops in Pay
What they're saying:
Tanya McMillen, a former worker on the project, decided to speak out. She provided FOX 26 with pay stubs documenting a sudden multi-dollar drop in her hourly wage.
McMillen says the pay cut came without explanation, even though she held the exact same high-level credentials required for the heavy labor.
"It's weird to see that big of a drop, drastic drop, because at the end of the day, I mean, it's just that you're doing the same job," McMillen said. "Nothing about you has changed—like you still have a CDL, you still have Crane, but to work on this project, it's like you have to settle for less just to even have a job."
Beyond the pay cuts, McMillen described a relentless work environment. She started in early March but left after suffering a heat-induced health event she says was brought on by long hours without adequate breaks.
As a minority and a woman, McMillen admitted she was initially terrified of speaking up.
"People can't complain because at the end of the day, they need a job," she added. Since leaving, she has struggled to find new employment.
Contractors over LBJ Hospital expansion accused of 'stolen wages,' intimidation
A massive labor dispute is unfolding over the taxpayer-funded expansion of Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) Hospital in northeast Houston as labor leaders formally accuse contractors of "stealing" nearly half a million dollars from the workers building the project.
A Major Public Investment
Big picture view:
The allegations target one of Harris County’s largest public infrastructure investments.
The LBJ Hospital Expansion Project is a multi-billion-dollar initiative to build a new 12-story hospital tower. The massive project is the centerpiece of a $2.5 billion bond approved by Harris County voters in 2023.
Harris Health Responds
The other side:
In response to the allegations, Harris Health released the following statement:
What's Next?
The LBJ Hospital expansion project is slated for completion in 2029.
Local union representatives urge any project workers who believe they are victims of wage discrepancies or safety violations to contact their local union immediately.
The Source: Local Union 54 Representatives and Harris Health.