With no PLA, union workers and workplace safety on hold at chip plant

Lee Harris, a journalist for The American Prospect, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed construction issues that have arisen at the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) chip plant near Phoenix. She also discussed workplace safety issues on the site and the projected financial support TSMC could receive from the federal government.

The TSMC chip plant is a crucial part of President Biden’s CHIPS and Science Act. Once built, the plant will be one of the largest chip plants in America, as it will employ about 12,000 workers. However, in her research for the articles on the plant, Harris found the construction workforce is currently made up of entirely non-union workers. The use of an unskilled, non-union workforce has created a dangerous construction environment, as many workers have complained about an unsafe work environment, she added.

Sadly, at least two construction workers died while constructing the TSMC plant. Additionally, several fall injuries have been reported, including one worker who fell 30 feet due to improperly marked flooring. Harris also reported that there have been numerous occasions where workers witnessed loads of steel beams falling from the cranes while being moved. The concern for these workers' safety is why many unions are working to secure a Project Labor Agreement to build the facility.

Despite their efforts, no unions have secured a PLA at the plant. Instead, TSMC has launched a “press positioning” tactic against the American workers. Harris has said this tactic works in two ways. The first way is to try and earn work visas for more than 500 Taiwanese workers. The second goal is to earn more money and subsidies from the federal government beyond the projected $15 billion dollars they are expected to receive.

Listen to the entire episode to learn more.