This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.
The original was posted on /r/documentaries by /u/Low_Soil_7655 on 2024-12-14 11:54:57+00:00.
This video is the follow-up to my original documentary, The Life of a Tower Climber. If you haven’t seen Part 1 yet, check it out here: .
In Part 2, I take a deeper dive into the harsh realities of the tower climbing industry. This documentary highlights a system plagued by dangerous practices, driven by layers of subcontracting that effectively remove accountability for climbers’ safety.
We’ll explore the systemic issues within the industry, including:
Failing infrastructure: Climbers are often forced to work on outdated and hazardous structures.
Communication breakdowns: A lack of coordination between tower owners, carriers, companies, and climbers contributes to dangerous and inefficient work environments.
The role of NATE: Once an organization dedicated to protecting climbers, the National Association of Tower Erectors has seemingly shifted its focus toward protecting the interests of carriers and large businesses.
Tower climbers are on the front lines, ensuring that we all stay connected, yet they remain unprotected and underrepresented. I believe it’s time for a change. Tower climbers need a collective voice, whether through a union, a nonprofit, or federal regulations.
In 2023, I was part of the effort to form the Tower Climbers Union (TCU) under the Communications Workers of America (CWA). We even chartered our first local in Phoenix, Arizona, on July 4th, 2023. Unfortunately, the effort was short-lived, primarily due to a lack of transparency and commitment from the CWA toward climbers.
Since then, I’ve taken these issues to members of Congress and will be sharing more on these developments in future projects.
Part 2 of The Life of a Tower Climber brings attention to the real cost of keeping us connected—and asks critical questions about what needs to change to protect climbers.
Special Thanks: Richard Bell - Brendon King - Justin Hayes - Walter Bilson -
Tommy Schuch