Missouri City – Tensions ran high Tuesday when workers hired to clean up a sulfuric acid spill in Channelview met with the owner of the company they say still hasn’t fully paid them for the job.
KPRC 2 was there as several workers gathered outside the Missouri City home of Cornell Dalton, the owner of One Way Environmental Services. At one point, police were called to the scene as the situation escalated.
The workers were contracted to help clean up a sulfuric acid spill in December. They say they were promised payment on Friday, but when that did not happen, frustration boiled over.
“Who told you you guys would be getting paid today?” Dalton asked during a heated exchange.
“You did,” the workers responded.
Dalton denied promising payment that day, despite workers pointing to messages they say show funds were expected to be available.
Several workers told KPRC 2 they are now facing serious financial hardship, with some saying they are on the verge of eviction because they have not received their full pay.
When asked why the workers were not paid as expected, Dalton cited banking issues.
“The reason they’re not getting paid today is we had a banking issue,” Dalton said. “At three o’clock, they asked for some paperwork that they didn’t already have.”
Dalton told KPRC 2 that workers who began before January 9 did receive their first paycheck. However, he acknowledged that a second round of paychecks — due on January 30 — has been delayed.
“That part is accurate,” Dalton said. “I take full responsibility. I’m committed to making sure everybody gets paid.”
Dalton also disputed claims that some workers were never paid at all, saying bank records show more than 30 checks were issued and cashed. He added that a few workers were overpaid initially and said deductions may be made from future pay to account for equipment taken from the job site.
“My whole objective right now is to get you all paid,” Dalton told the group. “That’s it. I don’t want any issues. I don’t want any fussing. I just want to get you all paid.”
Dalton told KPRC 2 the remaining workers should receive their money by Friday. KPRC 2 will continue to follow up and provide updates as they become available.