Outi Hicks was a single mom, 32-year-old apprentice carpenter, who was murdered on the job in Fresno, California. She was a well-regarded apprentice in the Carpenters Union reaching her 9 month mark.(6) However, the lack of management support and witness intervention would lead to her death.
The attacker, Aaron Lopez, was non-union, subcontracted by Rio Bravo CO Generation Plant in the Malaga to supervise the removal of scaffolding.
Weeks leading up the event, Outi confessed to close family of daily harassment, bullying and even threats to her life. She did not report his attitude to her union.(1)(4) It's possible she was concerned about retaliation or being blackballed. There is a stigma that reporting harassment, hazing and bullying can result in a poor performance review, transfer or even layoff that risks apprenticeship enrollment and working hours. Apprentices often don't feel they have much power to stand up for themselves to argue abuse, while being on the bottom of the hierarchy. They may also feel pressured to conform to the stereotype(2), you have to be "tough enough" to do the job.
Multiple employers on a jobsite can also exacerbate tensions and increase the likelihood of harassment.(2) Which can make it unclear who to report to and difficult to identify retaliation. The cyclical(2), temporary nature of work can also be used as an excuse for women to push through the harassment; soon you'll get away from the bully and leave it behind for better days. The downside being the behavior un-addressed fostering a disrespectful work culture.
No matter her reasons, she told family that she was determined not to allow his words or actions to deter her and to make things work.(6)
On Valentine's Day, February 14th, 2017
Another argument erupted after lunch. When Outi turned to walk away, Lopez snapped. He came from behind striking her head with a metal pipe. She fell unconscious as he continued to beat her. Coworkers would climb down to pull Lopez off her body.(6) Autopsy would show she died instantly from the first strike.(7)
Police would find Lopez waiting in his truck at the plants parking lot.(7)
It has been speculated that his unsteady work conditions as a non-union part-timer may have contributed to a jealous distemper.(7) Lopez refused to answer police questions related to if the attack was race, gender, or LGBTQ+ motivated. With a history of experiencing violence at a young age and his military service(3)(7), Lopez was no stranger to violence. He would plead not guilty to first-degree murder by reason of insanity after doctors diagnosed him with schizophrenia, PTSD, and other serious mental health issues. Later, he accepted a reduced sentence of guilty to second-degree murder with a 16-year sentence (1 year already served). He has been denied parole to this date.(1)(3)(7)
The egregious act of violence sparked a movement among women in construction. A union ironworker, Vicki L. O’Leary, heard about Outi Hicks' death and with fellow ironworkers formed the “Be That One Guy” campaign.(4) Other unions would follow suit with their version of bystander, stand-up training. The purpose to educate workers of what behaviors are not acceptable and if we see something, to say something. Many programs go into detail of different styles of conflict resolutions to match your personality. The goal to stop harassment, resolve conflict and prevent violent outbursts. Addressing harassers can also bring opportunities to offer supportive services for mental health and addiction. Harassment training tailored to the audience are more effective for enforcement and compliance.(2) Consider separate trainings for workers and management.
Promising Practices for Preventing Harassment in the Construction Industry, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Policies work only when management and workers are actively involved. Management policies need to enforce the five core principles identified for effective prevention and addressing harassment:
committed and engaged leadership
consistent and demonstrated accountability
strong and comprehensive harassment policies
trusted and accessible complaint procedures
and regular, interactive training tailored to the audience and the organization(2)
Establish and publish a policy that explicitly defines the organization’s position on discrimination, bullying and harassment, with a specific focus on sexual harassment.
→ Our study found sexual harassment is the number one concern of women in the field.
→ Communicate the policy broadly, including project site signage and inclusion on the company website.
→ Consistently enforce the policy throughout the company — office and field.
→ Provide training for craft professionals on how to interact with the opposite sex in the work environment.
→ Educate foremen and superintendents and ensure they understand and are enforcing the policies.
Implement a reporting process.
→ Ensure follow-up on reports and address situations promptly and appropriately.
→ Consider hiring a third-party firm to collect, vet and provide reports to company leadership.
Check with the women craft professionals to find out if they have experienced changes in behavior since the release and publication of the policy.
Commit to the policy.
→ Actions, and inactions, speak volumes. Zero tolerance can ultimately boost employee morale, retention and company reputation(5)
There were many red flags, missteps and lack of action that could have prevented the death of Outi Hicks. Learn from her story. Share her story to help #EndWorkplaceViolence. #WeAreOuti #WeAreOutiHicks
Resources:
Jobsite Killer of Woman Carpenter Apprentice Gets 15-Years-to-Life Sentence, ENR, Debra K. Rubin, February 25, 2020
Promising Practices for Preventing Harassment in the Construction Industry, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, EEOC.gov
Man admits to beating coworker to death with metal pipe in Fresno County, convicted of second-degree murder, video transcript, ABC 30 Action News, December 17, 2019
“Be That One Guy” Program Fights Sexual Harassment, May 1, 2020
In Her Own Words: A Call to Action From the Field, National Center of Construction Education and Research, 2024
Co-workers remembering Fresno woman murdered at power plant in Fresno County, ABC 30 Action News, February 15, 2017
The Murder of Outi Hicks - Women in Construction Week Part 1, Death by Architecture, March 9, 2021
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