In a bid to draw attention to the issue of non-union labor in the solar power industry, three labor unions are planning a demonstration at a solar power construction site in northern Morrow County. The protest, which will take place from 6 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, aims to highlight the illegal and dangerous actions of Sol Systems and Qcells in building the Blossom Solar Project.
Background on the Issue
The Blossom Solar Project, a $100 million investment in a photovoltaic solar facility, has been under construction since July 7 with its partner Q-Cells. However, despite the project’s promise of well-paying jobs with benefits, the labor unions involved, including Laborers’ Local 1216, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 18, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 688, claim that Sol Systems has chosen not to employ local union workers.
- These unions argue that the decision not only affects the workers but also impacts the economic vitality of the community.
- The unions claim that Sol Systems has ignored the Ohio Three Trades Solar Agreement, which would ensure the project complies with industry standards for renewable energy construction, prioritizing worker safety, fair wages, and community benefits.
- The unions also point out that the project has been plagued by safety issues, including a near-miss incident on July 23 where a worker nearly struck a demonstrator outside the project site.
Union Leaders Speak Out
Leaders of the labor unions involved, including Jeff Sellers, business manager for Laborers’ Local 1216, and Brian McPeak, business manager for IBEW Local 688, have spoken out against Sol Systems’ decision. “We are deeply concerned about Sol Systems’ choice to overlook our skilled local labor,” said Sellers. “This decision not only affects the workers, who are eager for employment, but also impacts the economic vitality of our community.”
Brian McPeak echoed the sentiments, stating that the companies should recognize the value of investing in the local workforce, which can lead to a more sustainable and community-supported project.
Company Response
According to the company website, the Blossom Solar Project will provide affordable, locally sourced solar power and enhance grid reliability. The company has committed to staffing at least 70 percent of all positions with Ohio residents.
| Company Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Blossom Solar |
| Location | Northern Morrow County |
| Project Description | $100 million investment in a photovoltaic solar facility |
| Construction Start Date | July 7 |
| Partner Company | Q-Cells |
Union Demands
The labor unions are demanding that Sol Systems and Q-Cells reverse their decisions and work with the local workers who have built the region for decades.
- The unions are calling for the companies to invest in the local workforce and provide good-paying jobs, family-sustaining healthcare, and retirement security.
- The unions are also demanding that the companies take proactive steps to ensure safety on the job site, including conducting thorough investigations and ensuring accountability among all employees.
- The unions are urging the companies to recognize the value of investing in the local workforce, which can lead to a more sustainable and community-supported project.
Ohio Three Trades Solar Agreement
The labor unions claim that the proposed Ohio Three Trades Solar Agreement would ensure the project complies with industry standards for renewable energy construction, prioritizing worker safety, fair wages, and community benefits.
“The members of these three unions live in the area and spend their money supporting local businesses and the local economy. We are calling on Sol Systems and Q-Cells to truly invest in this community by working with the local workers who have built this region for decades.”
Incident at the Job Site
The labor unions claim that there have been problems at the site, including a near-miss incident on July 23 where a worker nearly struck a demonstrator outside the project site.
Conclusion
The labor unions are demanding that Sol Systems and Q-Cells recognize the value of investing in the local workforce and provide good-paying jobs, family-sustaining healthcare, and retirement security. The proposed Ohio Three Trades Solar Agreement would ensure the project complies with industry standards for renewable energy construction, prioritizing worker safety, fair wages, and community benefits. The labor unions are calling on the companies to truly invest in the community by working with the local workers who have built the region for decades.