Energy labor unions form alliance

WASHINGTON — The oil and gas industry and several labor unions announced Wednesday they have joined forces to push for more drilling access to public land and to fend off new regulations.


In a news conference, American Petroleum Institute and union leaders said they have formed a labor-management committee for the first time.

J. Larry Nichols, chairman and CEO of Devon Energy Corp. and chairman of the American Petroleum Institute, said, "it will be up to us to see that Americans and our lawmakers understand that effective, environmentally sound development of the nation’s generous energy reserves can both preserve and create new employment opportunities, including many well-paying jobs that contribute to the economic well being of our communities and nation.”

Mark H. Ayers, president of the AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Department, said, "a pillar of the domestic workforce is skilled industrial labor. The committee will support policies that protect and promote job security and growth in the oil and natural gas industry.”

A total of 15 labor unions are part of the agreement; the eight-member labor-management committee will include four members from the industry and four from the unions.

The new effort comes as Democratic leaders in Congress and President Barack Obama are pushing initiatives objectionable to the oil and gas industry, including new taxes, higher royalty payments to the government and regulations on drilling methods and carbon emissions.

Labor unions historically are aligned with the Democratic Party so the new alliance may be crucial for the oil and gas industry as it tries to push its agenda in a town controlled by Democrats.

"Together we will pursue a mutual legislative and regulatory agenda, all designed to promote a thriving industrial base and one that retains and promotes the creation of jobs,” Nichols said.

"By building a bridge between labor and management, we will be able to help shape public policy decisions that affect jobs and the health of the industry.”




from the oklahoman