Union Jobs are Good for Everyone. Toxic Wastewater is Not.
I admit, updates to this site were long overdue. As I was researching the mining operations data for the Great Lakes region, I began thinking about two ideas. Simply put, the first is that local, union jobs are good. Second, a clean, healthy environment is good.
As I began my updates, I saw that some of the regional mining operations had changed hands. Cleveland-Cliffs now owns five of the operations in Minnesota and Michigan. They are considered the largest flat-rolled steel producer in North America. They produce many types of steel including automotive steel, stainless steel and electrical steels. According to their website, they employ approximately 28,000 people in the United States and Canada. These jobs include mining, steel-making, and other manufacturing jobs. (Cleveland-Cliffs)
These are union jobs, with health and retirement benefits. I am a strong supporter of union labor. I belong to a union myself. My grandfather, who delivered milk for Borden's, belonged to a union. In my view, increasing U.S. based manufacturing with union labor is an economic ideal. So, I was disappointed to then learn that Cleveland-Cliffs had recently been fined by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for industrial wastewater violations at the Minorca Mine in Virginia, Minnesota. (MPCA)
The fine, reported on July 3, 2024, amounted to $16,750. Cleveland-Cliffs was also required to improve inspection and maintenance procedures. I'm glad to see the MPCA hold Cleveland-Cliffs to account. Mineral extraction operations in many parts of the world aren't held to any standards whatsoever. Still, this seems like a rather small sum for a company with revenues of $22 billion in 2023. Contamination of our lands and waters affects all members of our communities, managerial and labor alike. Will such a small fine convince Cleveland-Cliffs to do better next time? Can we support local manufacturing with union labor, and a healthy environment that allows people to hunt, fish, and grow their own food if they wish? I think the answer could, and should be yes. How is a question with a longer answer. A more substantial fine for environmental contamination might be the first step. More to follow.
Photo CREDIT | Spotted Horse Studios, LLC
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