MAINE MORNING STAR • April 17, 2024
A bill meant to ensure clean energy projects on state land aren’t disrupted by labor disputes passed the Legislature this week and will go to Gov. Janet Mills for consideration. LD 373 requires an entity leasing state land for a clean energy development project to mandate that the lessee enter an “employer and employee harmony agreement.” In February, bill sponsor Sen. Mike Tipping (D-Penobscot) said such harmony agreements represent a compromise between workers and employers. The agreements require companies awarded bids for the types of projects specified by the bill to agree not to bust a union or lock out workers. In exchange, workers give up their right to strike. The overall goal of the bill is to ensure that public money isn’t used to fight unionization while also making sure that essential climate projects are completed without labor fights slowing things down.