Laborers' International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 758 Business Manager Chuck Brooky joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the Local’s objection to out-of-state, non-union workers brought in to decommission the Avon Lake Power Plant in Ohio, and its impact on the community.
Local 758 represents about 500 laborers in Lorain County, Ohio.
Charah Solutions purchased the plant in April with plans to decommission it. The company brought in out-of-state construction workers from Waco, Texas for asbestos abatement and demolition work and pays them $16 an hour with no benefits, which is about half of the Prevailing Wage, Brooky said. The work is dangerous and could be hazardous to the community when performed by unqualified workers, he added.
Brooky also talked about the economic impact of the decision on the community.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.