Surprise! 17 WA Labor Unions Join to Oppose I-1631
In a move that has some political experts raising an eyebrow, a group of some 17 .labor unions representing more than 100,000 members have formally released a statement condemning and opposing I-1631, commonly known as the "Carbon Tax" Initiative.
According to the release that came out this week The NO on 1631 group says these are the unions who oppose the plan. They say it will greatly raise production, transportation and other costs related to those who utilize oil, gas and petroleum for their business and work. The list of unions is below:
ANEW
· Boilermakers Local 502
· Cement Masons & Plasterers Local 528
· IBEW Local 48
· International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 302
· Iron Workers District Council of the Pacific Northwest
· Ironworkers Local 29
· Ironworkers Local 86
· Longview/Kelso Building and Construction Trades Council
· Northwest Carpenters District Council
· Pierce County Building Trades
· Seattle Building & Construction Trades Council
· Teamsters Local 174
· United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 26
· United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 32
· Washington & Northern Idaho District Council of Laborers
· Washington Building Trades Council
A cost analysis done by the Washington State Office of Financial Management shows energy costs for Washington residents, businesses and companies would jump as much as $2.3 billion over the first five years alone, and some union leaders say this plan is like giving environmentalists a "box of blank checks" to do whatever they want with public and taxpayer money.