the Voice of
The Communist League of Revolutionary Workers–Internationalist
“The emancipation of the working class will only be achieved by the working class itself.”
— Karl Marx
the Voice of
The Communist League of Revolutionary Workers–Internationalist
“The emancipation of the working class will only be achieved by the working class itself.”
— Karl Marx
Oct 14, 2024
When Jordan High School students arrived on campus this fall in working-class Watts, Los Angeles, they met with an ear-splitting boom and plume of smoke emanating from a metal recycling plant located next to the school. Its owners have operated this dangerous plant, which induced many such explosions, for over 70 years.
Soil samples taken from Jordan’s campus have indicated excessive concentrations of lead and zinc. Exposure to high levels of lead can damage the nervous system, causing problems including hearing loss, seizures, and learning disabilities.
The community living next to the plant, and the students, have been complaining about this plant for more than 20 years. The recent demonstrations against the company’s dangerous and heedless operation pushed the so-called authorities of the City of Los Angeles to act. As a result, the metal recycling plant operated by S&W Atlas Iron & Metal was charged in a 25-count indictment for endangering the life of students. Its owners were charged with 23 felonies.
These court charges look hefty. But the plant continued its operations.
“The explosion that occurred during the first day of school makes clear to me that only the worst perpetrators of environmental crime would feel compelled to continue operating business as usual while students are being exposed to toxins,” said Genesis Cruz, a 2023 graduate of Jordan High and a community activist.
Businesses always have the upper hand against the health and safety of the working class. Only our organized fight against the businesses can stop what these dangerous companies are doing to us just to gain profits.