Many NW Labor Unions Oppose Dam Breaching, Says Report
According to reports, at least 12 Northwest Labor Unions are opposed to the idea of breaching four Snake River dams.
Labor unions send letters to officials
According to information released by Tumalo Public Affairs out of Oregon, a number of labor unions oppose the idea.
Recent reports indicate if the four dams were breached, including Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose, and Little Goose, there would not be a viable energy alternative available to take up the loss..not now, and possibly not for decades.
According to Tumalo Public Affairs, the Idaho AFL-CIO has taken such a strong stance on supporting hydroelectric power, they have passed requiring them to NOT support any political candidate if they are in favor of dam breaching.
Several letters on behalf of these labor unions have been sent to government officials about this matter. one such letter from Shannon Stull, Business Manager-Secretary Treasurer for LiUNA Local 35 of Vancouver, WA read in part:
"The sun sets, the wind stops blowing, and our demand for power does not care. Without dispatchable energy like clean hydropower, solar and wind are not viable. Take away the dams and you take away power we need and the foundation our future green jobs depend on." (courtesy Tumalo)
Numerous other letters and op-ed pieces in West side newspapers also show support for the dams.
The list of unions that have formally stepped out with support for the dams includes:
- Washington State Building & Construction Trades Council
- Laborers’ International Union of North America Local (LiUNA 335)
- International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 36
- U.A. Plumbing & Pipefitters Local 32
- Pierce County Building and Construction Trades Council
- Northeast Washington and Northern Idaho Building and Construction Trades
- Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Central Labor Council
- Longview-Kelso Building Trades Council
- Northcentral Washington Central Labor Council
- Spokane Regional Labor Council
- Southwest Washington Central Labor Council
- Thurston-Lewis-Mason Central Labor Council
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