Several recent projects in California have been delayed because of union objection to non-union workers. (This article is neither pro- nor anti-union. In good faith I should say that I am a former member of a Motion Picture Industry Association trade union myself.)
A collaboration of electrical, plumbing, and mechanical/boiler workers unions have filed papers to halt projects, citing environmental concerns while trying to negotiate union demands for employment. Included in the negotiations, is the provision that new workers are to become union members also, complete with membership fees and dues.
It was inevitable that trade unions would seek involvement in the new alternative energy projects, and that the grand announcement of "new green employment opportunities" would spark direct conflict with dwindling union organizations.
Most of the larger equipment manufacturers, engaged in these new projects, for example GE, already have their own division and employees, and regardless of union representation, have their own employee agreements and hiring practices.
It is true that many of the small entrepreneurial companies entering into the renewable or alternative energy business, either as a manufacturer or parts supplier, may not be large enough today for the unions to be concerned about membership. But at what point will unions demand that equipment used on (union) projects be built by union factories?
Here are some of my predictions about future employment opportunities for the green economy.
My guess is that unions will demand that their members be trained for the new technologies first, at government expense.
Local business (trades) owners seeing a new opportunity will start attending dealer classes as the local manufacturers representative for installation of wind, solar, and Geo-thermal systems.
Although it's not rocket science, state and local governments will begin to regulate and require new certifications for installation work that is already being done by small businesses daily.
Everyone's favorite neighborhood electrician is already knowledgeable enough to learn the interconnections for any solar or wind system, motors and generators. "Joe the plumber" (forgive me) will be able to pipe the necessary components from the Geo-thermal pump, and the boiler man already is familiar with heat pumps, compressors, and associated equipment. Nothing within the sub-systems or components are new to the trades, and the need to go out and fill jobs will only happen when consumer demand for the technologies builds.
My experience talking to owners of small residential electric services (your local electrician), that are already starting to install solar systems, that they are not necessarily hiring "new workers" at this time, but view this new installation (product line) as a supplement for their current employees along with their current (service) to their residential and commercial customers.
Based on the current economic and employment condition across our country, that will not happen soon enough for the promised "explosion" of new "green" employment
So, the unions will have the large scale projects and local trades will learn the installation of the particular technology for their own trade, and will continue business as is, with just another product offering for their client base, while trying to maintain their current employees.
Small manufacturers and the American entrepreneurial spirit will add some new opportunities for employment. But millions of "green" job opportunities will not be there, I'm sorry, to say.
Brett
Friday, August 7, 2009
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A fine review of the "state of affairs" apropos the evolution of green industries and the aggressive role of organized labor in staking their claim to new jobs. (With all the inefficiencies and corruption that suggests)
ReplyDeleteBut I'd wish you further developed your thesis detailing how small businesses are simply adding "green" technology and products to their existing offerings, and so won't necessarily require additional staff. Which is to say, at least on the ground level, there won't be real job growth. This is an important point that must be made clear to politicians at the local, state and federal levels.
This is the kind of information I think your site has the greatest potential to provide. The lobbying on behalf of the GEs or United Technologies and other giants—as well as companies involved with green manufacturing start-ups, say, Kleiner Perkin—the VC firm that invited Al Gore to become a partner—will, as you say, benefit from government grants and their relationships with the unions are well defined.
However if "green" is to become a "local" industry and create local jobs, small businesses and homeowners must collaborate and lobby to insist on their share of the greenbacks the government is handing out.