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Unions urge Salem to hold developers to enforceable standards, say project would yield construction jobs
Summary
Labor representatives told the council they support enforceable environmental protections but urged against a blanket ban because projects provide apprenticeship and construction opportunities. Unions said they want strong community benefits and local hiring requirements.
Trade unions and business representatives testified that large data‑center projects create substantial construction‑period work and apprenticeship opportunities and urged the council to balance environmental protections with job creation.
Lynn McDonald, business manager for IBEW Local 280, told the council the project could generate thousands of family‑wage construction jobs and urged the city to require developers to fund necessary infrastructure rather than shifting costs to residents. He said such projects also train apprentices and keep skilled workers in Oregon.
Paul Elder of UA Local 290 made similar points and said that while he respected community concerns about water and quality of life, projects should be judged on their merits and held to rigorous, enforceable standards. "Oak Line has stated that it will pay for the infrastructure needed to serve this project," Elder said, urging the council to ensure those commitments are enforceable.
Union speakers said they supported strong environmental conditions and community benefits agreements that include local hiring and prevailing wages but warned a blanket moratorium could shut out legitimate projects that provide durable construction work.
