Groups push to protect undocumented witnesses of Charlotte scaffolding collapse

Labor unions are calling on the state of North Carolina to protect undocumented witnesses of the deadly Dilworth scaffolding collapse.

The groups, including the Charlotte-Metrolina Labor Council, said some workers who witnessed the accident haven’t spoken to state investigators over fears of immigration enforcement.

READ MORE:

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• Charlotte Fire: 3 dead, 2 hurt in scaffolding collapse at Dilworth construction site

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• Friends, brothers, fathers: The men who died in the Dilworth scaffolding collapse

• 911 caller about Dilworth scaffolding collapse: ‘I just felt it hit my tower’

Three men died in the collapse at a construction site back in January. José Canaca, Jesús Olivares and Gilberto Fernández died after falling 70 feet on Jan. 2 at an apartment complex construction site along East Morehead Street. Two other workers were hurt.

Now, labor unions are pushing the state to adopt a federal policy that temporarily protects undocumented workers during workplace investigations.

The state Occupational Safety and Health Division said it is reviewing this request and will respond to the labor council once the review is complete.

Work at the site is suspended indefinitely while the investigation continues. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s investigation into what happened could take up to six months to complete.

(WATCH BELOW: Friends, brothers, fathers: The men who died in the Dilworth scaffolding collapse)