A labor union is complaining that large wind-power projects in northern Vermont and New Hampshire are bypassing local ironworkers and bringing in out-of-state crews, undermining the potential benefits to the areas’ hard-pressed economies.
Officials with Ironworkers Local 7 say union members are being bypassed on the job in Sheffield and Coos County, New Hampshire, in favor of crews being brought in from Utah by RMT, the general contractor on the two projects.
The Wisconsin-based company hasn’t responded to requests for comment. But John Lamontagne, spokesman for Vermont project developer First Wind, says RMT has been hiring some Vermont subcontractors.
The company behind the New Hampshire project, Brookfield Renewable Power also hasn’t responded to a request for comment.