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Renewable Industry Tax Credits Abandon Workers

Washington, D.C. (December 21, 2020) – Terry O’Sullivan, General President of LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America – made the following statement today:

Much of the renewable energy sector continue to build their respective industries on the backs of poorly paid workers with no, or deficient, benefits packages while simultaneously begging for taxpayer funded subsidies.

 

The renewal of the Investment Tax Credit and Production Tax Credits for solar and wind energy development without including important labor protections is an outrageous assault on the workers who build their industries.

 

Without safeguards, the wind and solar industries will continue to push down wages and benefits for workers and their families. LIUNA opposes the use of public funds to drive low-wage job creation. Industries that receive federal assistance must be REQUIRED to abide by labor standards that lift up workers and communities . . . something that neither political party seems to understand.

 

In an industry increasingly leaning on staffing agencies, who recruit at low wages and provide little to no training, these subsidies ultimately rob taxpayers and return little value.

 

It is reprehensible, disappointing and insulting that once again our political leaders are handing our money to private industries that drive down wages and benefits while continuing to demonize traditional energy sector jobs where many union members work.

 

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The half-million members of LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America – are on the forefront of the construction industry, a powerhouse of workers who are proud to build America.