After Halting Construction, Forest City Rehires Employees to Finish Tallest Modular Tower

After halting construction on the tallest modular tower back in the summer, NY1 has learned that workers are being brought back to finish the job and get some back pay. NY1’s Jeanine Ramirez has an exclusive report.

The tools haven't been touched, the packages are still unwrapped and the water cooler has been collecting dust ever since work at this factory suddenly stopped back in August. This is where the modular units were fabricated for the B2 building, touted as the tallest modular tower in the world. Now the factory lights are being turned on again and laid off workers rehired.

"It was very difficult to be out for three months. I'm one of the first ones to start working here, almost two years and a half. I'm glad to be back to work,” said foreman Angel Chevarer.

"We're looking forward to something as far as compensation, money and start to work again right before the Christmas season,” said foreman Dominic Hacksaw.

Some 25 workers are back but developer Forest City Ratner plans to rehire all 150 employees who were cut.

NY1 visited the factory last year when production was in full swing. It was a joint venture between Forest City and contractor Skanska. But the two companies had a falling out, blamed each other for the slow pace and took legal action. While that lawsuit is in the courts, Forest City bought out Skanska, gaining full control of the operation.

"This is the best way to rebuild the building is to use the same technology that we started it with and bring the people back to work and get our building finished,” said Executive VP of Forest City Ratner Bob Sanna.

The building is being erected next to Barclays Center as part the renamed Pacific Park project. It was built only to the 10th floor but 32 stories are planned. To help get fabrication going again and as part of a grievance settlement with the trade unions, Forest City is giving each furloughed employee an $8,000 payment and a retroactive benefits package.

"The health benefits have been reinstated as of November 1st. So all of the insurance that the employees had for health has been reinstated as well as the 401k plan,” said Sanna.

Employees will also be under a new company name, the FC Modular. The S for Skanska was dropped.

With production set to get underway the company says the building is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2016.

Forest City is still trying to contact some of the furloughed employees. They've set up a hotline for employees to get information on getting back to work and getting their back pay. Call 718-637-5106.

Source: New York 1