Labor and nuclear power
The AFL-CIO is officially pro-nuclear, but tensions within unions are taking issue over ideological differences. The Labor movement, having looked to nuclear power development as an economic necessity to avoid unemployment, has opposed efforts to delay construction or close plants. As many as 42% of union members or relatives of members, however, were found to oppose new power plants, some actively working against specific construction projects. The United Mine Workers and Teamsters actively challenged the nuclear industry while the auto workers have been ambivalent. The differences between union orientation reflects the history of unionism in the US and explains the emergence of social unionism with its emphasis on safety and working conditions as well as economic benefits. Business union orientation trends to prevail during periods of prosperity; social unions during recessions. The labor unions and the environmentalists are examined in this conext and found to be hopeful. 35 references. (DCK)
- OSTI ID:
- 5378208
- Journal Information:
- Environment; (United States), Vol. 22:2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
POLICY AND ECONOMY
LABOR
NUCLEAR POWER
LABOR RELATIONS
ECONOMICS
EMPLOYMENT
PERSONNEL
PUBLIC OPINION
SAFETY
WORKING CONDITIONS
POWER
290200* - Energy Planning & Policy- Economics & Sociology
290600 - Energy Planning & Policy- Nuclear Energy
530100 - Environmental-Social Aspects of Energy Technologies- Social & Economic Studies- (-1989)