• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

International Union of Operating Engineers Local 547 Members Retain Positions at Detroit Energy-from-Waste Facility

Posted on: Thursday, 9 July 2009, 16:15 CDT

DETROIT, July 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 547 is pleased to announce that 120 members of Local 547 will be retaining their positions at the Detroit Energy-from-Waste facility operated by Michigan Waste Energy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Covanta Holding Corporation (Covanta). Over the last several months, there was much uncertainly regarding the future of the facility due to complex negotiations with a number of different parties. Covanta and Local 457 partnered successfully to execute the necessary agreements to continue facility operations and retain the Operating Engineers employed at the facility.

Operating Engineers Local 547 has represented workers at the renewable energy plant since 1991. The facility provides well-paying "green jobs" and generates a majority of the steam used by Detroit's downtown businesses. In these difficult economic times, it was crucial for the City to continue this facility's operations.

"Local 547 is extremely pleased that the Detroit Energy-from-Waste facility will remain open. For the past 18 years, we have found Covanta to be a cooperative partner at the bargaining table and respectful of our Union's presence at Michigan Waste Energy. We appreciate their efforts to preserve jobs for hardworking men and women," said Philip Schloop, Business Manager and International Vice President for the Operating Engineers Union Local 547. "Keeping this facility open is a win - win! It helps the local economy with the preservation of skilled jobs and produces clean, renewable energy for the city."

The Detroit Energy-from-Waste facility utilizes waste as a fuel source to create steam and electricity, simultaneously keeping that waste from ending up in landfills. The facility offsets approximately 800,000 tons of greenhouse gases each year and is one of the largest recycling facilities in Detroit, recovering more than 30,000 tons of metal annually.

About The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 547

Operating Engineers Local 547 is a union rich in history - with roots reaching back more than a century. We represent working men and women across Michigan in both the public and private sectors, fighting for good jobs with fair wages, good benefits and pensions. Our members reflect today's diverse workforce - while many work in the traditional craft of stationary engineering, we also have members in school districts, universities, hospitals, hotels, cities, counties, auto parts shops, and even a guitar string factory. Our history shows that our union has been willing and able to create a better way of life for our members and our society in general. We plan to keep that vision alive and growing. For more information visit, http://www.iuoelocal547.com/

SOURCE International Union of Operating Engineers Local 547

Source: PR Newswire

More News in this Category