Union Training Programs Train Workers, Managers

At the June ARCC meeting in Washington, union representatives described successful union-run worker training programs for the chemical industry. Thousands of workers have received special training in safety, response and remediation.

"It is the position of the Alliance that these questions should be answered through sound scientific investigation with peer review. On this basis, modifications to specific processes or products would be made to protect jobs, worker health, communities and the environment."

- from ARCC Statement of Purpose

The International Chemical Workers Union reported that ICWU’s training programs are supported by grants from sources including EPA and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to provide chemical response training qualification for union workers. In addition, ICWU has a training contract with a major chemical company.

ICWU’s representative said that the union’s Ohio center trains union members from several unions and management personnel from major corporations in joint sessions. Union workers are trained under grant programs; corporations pay to have management personnel attend.

The Laborers International Union of North America’s representative said LIUNA and a major contractor trade association jointly offer a network of education and training programs for construction industry workers in the U.S. and abroad. LIUNA has received grants from the Department of Energy to set up training centers from which companies can hire workers qualified to do Superfund remediation work.

Other ARCC union participants also operate training centers for their members which are funded privately or through grants.