OK, finally, some labor unions want the mine...

Good work by Tim Sullivan. Now, can he talk some sense into Schultz (RINODEM-Richland Center) and/or Jauch (Dem from Iron County) to get this thing going? Labor unions back mining bill The Business Journal Date: Monday, March 5, 2012, 3:36pm CST Five labor unions announced that they support proposed legislation in Wisconsin that would streamline the permitting process for iron ore mines. The labor unions pledging their support are the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 139; the Iron Workers District Council of the North Central States; the Wisconsin Pipe Trades Association and its Affiliated Local Unions; the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters; and the Wisconsin Laborer’s District Council. The organizations join the Wisconsin Mining Association in backing AB 426, which has passed the Assembly. A Senate version still needs approval, but is facing resistance from a GOP legislator despite revisions and compromises proposed from the Assembly version. “This is a significant step forward for workers, job creation and the future of mining in Wisconsin,” said Tim Sullivan, former president and CEO of Bucyrus International Inc. and now chairman of the WMA. “We are pleased that these labor trade organizations, representing union workers from all across Wisconsin, were able to move beyond traditional partisan politics and support a plan that will create thousands of family-supporting jobs and help invigorate Wisconsin’s economy.” The announcement is part of a memorandum of understanding between the unions and Gogebic Taconite LLC, which wants to establish a mine in Iron and Ashland counties. Included in the agreement is a pledge by Gogebic Taconite to employ union labor during the construction of the proposed iron ore mine. Gogebic Taconite has estimated that as many as 3,000 jobs will be created during the development and operation of the proposed mine, which is expected to operate for approximately 35 years, the Wisconsin Mining Association said.