Sean McGarvey Supports The XL Pipeline? Okay, Here's An Idea...

[TrollBuster9090]

Faux News is once again hyping the support of building trades unions for the XL Pipeline, and attempting to drive a wedge between Democrats and private sector trade unions. (Not that this is particularly difficult, given the vapid support of federal Democrats for union rights.) But here's an idea. How about Obama offers to sign the XL Pipeline Bill if Republicans first agree to put an amendment in the bill that states "only members of trade unions will be allowed to do work on the pipeline?" Tag, Republicans...YOU'RE IT!

[livingonearth]

1. Good one! I'd like to see that happen, just for fun.

Because we all know once they've used the union to get the pipeline they'll want lowest bidder for the actual job of building the damn thing.

[TrollBuster9090]

2. That's right. And the advantage to using Obama to make the threat/condition is that all of those

spineless Democrats in the Senate, who are afraid to support union rights (although their never afraid to take union money during elections) wouldn't have to do anything. Obama himself would just have to say "Fine. If you're suddenly concerned about private sector trade unions, I'll be happy to sign the bill if you include an amendment that stipulates all work done on the pipeline must be done with unionized labor."

They'd never agree, of course. But the message would be sent that at least some Democrats support labor unions.

[Hulk]

3. I'get the impression that the pipeline is nearly complete.

Would be interesting to see just how much of this boondoggle is completed.

[ibewlu606]

4. Don't hold your breath.

TrollBuster, this is an excellent idea! Unfortunately, Obama will never do this as he has had ample opportunity in the past. The President has the option of making any federal construction project over $20 million dollars a Project Labor Agreement job. What this would mean is, all workers (union and non-union) would have to be paid the prevailing wage for their trade in that area, and be referred out of the local union halls. As a labor representative for the electricians in Orlando, I would have loved to have seen Obama do that for the Lake Nona V.A. hospital here. Because of his inaction, and the use of unskilled labor, the project is almost 3 years behind schedule and close to a half a billion over budget. As a side note, although I am a member of the Building Trades and advocate for more jobs for my members in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, I do not support endangering the environment for a few short term jobs.

http://opinionmatters.flatoday.net/2012/02/lake-nona-va-project-disaster.html

[TrollBuster9090]

5. Thanks for the info! nt