“Green Jobs” is a buzz phrase being used in the political arena to describe work that is environmentally-friendly, both inside and outside the construction industry.  However, there is no clear and agreed upon definition.  Currently, organized labor is attempting to define “green jobs” as positions held by workers that receive special green training through union-only apprenticeship programs.

Organized labor and certain special interest groups claim that only union apprenticeship programs can properly train workers to build green projects.  However, these claims are nothing more than an effort to monopolize the construction workforce on green building and other construction projects.  Most green building techniques involve simple architectural changes or using environmentally-friendly building materials, which requires that workers learn skills that can be taught through both union and non-union training programs. 

In December 2007 President Bush signed into law H.R. 6, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, Public Law No: 110-140. Title X of this legislation made $125 million available to invest in a renewable energy worker training program. However, thestatutory language only allows organizations associated with labor unions to apply for these grants. It is vital that mandatory, union-only apprenticeship guidelines are not made a condition for eligibility to receive federal grant money.  Merit shop contractors should not be excluded from projects that are made possible by this federal funding.

Status:

In the 111^th Congress, at the request of ABC, Congressman John Kline (R-MN) and Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) introduced the Green Jobs Improvement Act (H.R. 2026 and S. 1238) which would amend the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to make non-union training programs eligible for Federal funding under the “Green Jobs’’ program.  

This legislation has yet to be introduced in the 112th Congress.