Good paying union jobs
Dear Friend,
As someone who grew up in a proud union household—my dad was an IBEW utility lineman—I have such a deep appreciation and respect for my brothers and sisters in Labor who built our great nation. Earlier this month, I met with union plumbers and electricians in Albuquerque to talk about how the strong home electrification investments that I secured in the Inflation Reduction Act will support good-paying careers in the trades like my dad’s.
PHOTO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich celebrates the Inflation Reduction Act becoming law with labor leaders at the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 412 in Albuquerque, September 9, 2022.
The energy investments in the Inflation Reduction Act will create an estimated more than 9 million good jobs nationally over the next decade, averaging 1 million new jobs each year. I was adamant that all of the new work supported by this law to build out our clean energy infrastructure will pay prevailing wages and hire registered apprentices. That’s how we will ensure that local wages are not undercut by low-road contractors.
During our discussion, I learned more about how local unions in New Mexico are preparing and training for the new jobs that will come once the new rebates for electric household appliances start to roll out. These highly efficient, fully-electric, and climate pollution-free technologies and appliances will help families lower their energy bills and improve their health. They will also create good paying union jobs.
I will continue engaging with local labor leaders as we implement the Inflation Reduction Act, and as more families and more union workers in New Mexico reap the benefits of this historic legislation.
Sincerely,
MARTIN HEINRICH
United States Senator
United States Senator
