DETROIT -- The Detroit Fire Department responded to a fire at the UAW's international headquarters on Saturday afternoon on the eve of formal contract talks beginning with the Detroit 3 automakers.
UAW spokesman Brian Rothenberg wrote in an emailed statement that the fire was on the third floor of the UAW building, which was “largely empty at the time.”
The fire took place in the union's IT department and also damaged adjacent public relations office space, he confirmed.
“Staff have been notified they will work from home Monday and Tuesday,” Rothenberg said in the email. “The handshake ceremonies and usual business will go on while the damage is assessed and any needed temporary workspace issues are worked out.”
WWJ Newsradio 950 reported two firefighters were injured at the scene, one with a hand injury and the other complaining of chest pains.
The cause of the fire is unclear.
The Detroit Fire Department did not immediately respond to calls seeking comment.
Send us a letter
Have an opinion about this story? Click here to submit a Letter to the Editor, and we may publish it in print.
