ST PAUL, Minn — While some held signs and others held their children, about 40 workers from Water Gremlin protested at the Capitol over the 72-hour state-ordered plant shutdown due to concerns of lead poisoning.
"We as the Water Gremlin employees are here today to make it clear to you guys to work with Water Gremlin and not shut Water Gremlin down," a worker in the back holding his daughter called out to Department of Labor and Industry Commissioner Nancy Leppink.
"The quickest way for Water Gremlin to re-open is for them to work around the clock to comply with the order of the department," Leppink responded.
Leppink, with the help of a Hmong translator, explained why the state stepped in to close the plant after 12 children of workers tested positive for high levels of lead in their blood.
"The primary response from Water Gremlin was, well, they were doing the best that they could but it was the workers' fault," Leppink said. "In my agency's opinion, that is not where the primary responsibly lies. It lies with Water Gremlin."
But workers like Leng Vue, who was there with his 2-year-old son, back up the company's claim that the workers that went home contaminated probably didn't follow the safety procedures.
"I wouldn't work there if I didn't feel safe," Vue said.
When asked if he thinks the company already has enough safety procedures in place to prevent lead poisoning, Vue responded, "Yes, of course. Look at my 2-year-old, he's fine. And if you follow procedure and protocol, you'll be fine. Wash your hands. Common sense stuff."
"Yes, I think they overreacted," Vue added.
"They do have a safety plan in place for lead," said worker Xiong Vue.
The workers, who say they test for lead every year, want to make sure the closure isn't permanent.
"I hope they don't shut us down," said worker Sue Vang.