CWA Rips Comcast in Detroit

A union-commissioned analysis of Comcast Corp. Detroit-area facilities was released Monday, and the results were "shocking."

According to the 173-page report -- prepared by Kramer Firm Inc. and commissioned by the Communications Workers of America -- the MSO has committed more than 40,000 electrical and electrical-safety-code violations that threaten home safety throughout the Detroit community.

The union represents about 2,000 workers at Comcast facilities nationwide and around 52 in the city of Detroit.

"Many of these violations are extremely serious and can cause fires and electric shocks, yet Comcast refuses to acknowledge its service shortcomings and the dangerous conditions that exist in the Detroit community," CWA representative Shannon Kirkland said in a prepared statement.

Among the report’s findings:

• At least 40% of subscriber drops -- the connections to customers' homes -- are not properly grounded, or don't meet other National Electrical Code standards.

• Clearance requirements from other utility lines, including power lines and telephone, are not being met.

• Construction cleanup work is incomplete and will require 12-18 months to properly complete.