Advocates: Micron needs to explain what a “good job” is

But while Neuffer joined Harris’ and the Commerce Department’s chorus, praising the award for creating “high-paying American jobs,” bolstering US national and economic security, and fueling “innovation for years to come,” communities are raising questions.

Advocates with Jobs to Move America (JMA)—who are organizing ahead of Micron’s New York construction starting in 2026—are concerned that Micron hasn’t been clear about what a “good job” is before moving into an area with “one of the highest poverty rates in the country.”

“There has been little discussion or firm commitments made regarding what exactly a ‘good job’ is, or how equitable access for said jobs will be achieved for current local residents,” JMA’s “Good Jobs Platform,” drafted earlier this year with more than 20 local advocacy groups, said.

“We define a ‘good job’ as one that guarantees: workers have a fair and clear process to organize a union without employer opposition, family-sustaining wages and comprehensive benefits, safe working conditions, equitable hiring and employment practices, and is supported by an accessible workforce pipeline,” the platform said.

And equally important are communities’ and workers’ health and safety concerns, the platform noted, urging that “a good job is a safe job.”

A senior researcher and policy coordinator for JMA, Anna Smith, told Ars that Harris’ statement was missing any mention of a community impact statement. And while Harris mentioned “utilizing project labor agreements and registered apprenticeship programs, which will further strengthen local economies” and “support workers,” more enforceable commitments are needed to protect communities as Micron’s construction begins, Smith said.

The “Good Jobs Platform” recommends a range of commitments, from labor peace agreements that would ensure workers can unionize to community workforce agreements keeping workers involved in key discussions regarding ongoing training and career development. Local labor leaders have sought similar commitments, urging Micron to commit to a community benefits agreement “that enshrines legally enforceable provisions that protect the community, its workers, and the environment.”

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/12/microns-6b-chips-funding-should-have-more-strings-attached-critics-say/