“I applaud the recent victory of the longshoremen’s union in their strike against Vineyard Wind (Longshoremen’s union gets contract, ending Vineyard Wind strike). It’s heartening to see renewable energy development supporting both union workers and people of color. Vineyard Wind’s exclusion of the longshoremen’s union was unjust, and the union’s determination to address this issue deserves praise. This successful strike demonstrates the power of collective action.
“The renewable energy sector offers tremendous job opportunities and potential for economic growth, which must be accessible to everyone. It’s essential for employers to create well-paying jobs that reduce disparities.
“Let’s celebrate the longshoremen’s contract as another milestone toward achieving equitable renewable energy. Vineyard Wind and the other offshore wind developers must continue to prioritize inclusivity and shared prosperity.”
— Frederick Hewett
“Kudos to the ILA and Kevin Rose for standing up for local workers. This is one important step toward social justice. Let us hope that this will be replicated in other local industries.”
— Diane Brown-Couture
“This is exactly the type of work force that was supposed to benefit from offshore wind in New Bedford. I’m glad the longshoremen secured an agreement. It seems to me that a lot of the components being shipped to New Bedford from overseas could certainly be built in this area of the country. Welded steel columns for these platforms off-loaded [recently] could certainly be built by U.S. companies in shipyards or off-waterfront locations, even here on the New Bedford waterfront. They’re not ‘rocket science’ projects, just welded steel. I’m sure there are many other pieces that could be manufactured in the U.S. as well. Stakeholders need to look into this closer with the upcoming projects, and get companies in on bidding these projects. It costs a lot of $ to ship massive pieces transatlantic; a benefit U.S. makers wouldn’t need to consider in their pricing.”
— D. Sullivan
“The ILA written contract with Vineyard Wind shows that racial labor and economic justice go hand in hand. The ILA picket inspired Boston construction union solidarity and a victory for all to advance this project and not leave New Bedford workers behind!”
— George Kontanis
“I believe that this is an appropriate outcome. Although I do not always agree with the tactics of the ILA nationally, the local workers long part of the New Bedford harbor certainly should be an important part of the labor force servicing this new and growing industry. The ‘handshake agreement’ should have been honored without requiring picketing.”
— James Dildine
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