john, 

Aaron Butler, President of the Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council and Business Manager for United Association Local 469 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union, wrote a thought-provoking piece for the Phoenix Business Journal titled 'My View: TSCM Should Not Blame US Workers for Phoenix Construction Delays'.

"In July, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) Chair Mark Liu reported a disappointing second quarter to shareholders. Year-over-year profit went down for the first time in four years, according to the Phoenix Business Journal. A slump in demand for electronic devices impacted TSMC’s net income and leaves the company on uncertain footing as it approaches completion of its fabrication plant in north Phoenix, the opening of which has been delayed into 2025. 

The company also cited a lack of skilled American workers to complete the project on schedule as both a reason for their disappointing financial performance and justification to bring in hundreds of Taiwanese workers on temporary visas.

As president of the Arizona Building Trades and on behalf of over 15,000 union construction workers, thousands of whom have been building Arizona’s semiconductor factories for over 40 years, I disagree with Chairman Liu. Blaming American workers for problems with this project is as offensive to American workers as it is inaccurate. 

Back in 2020, TSMC announced it would invest $12 billion to build a semiconductor factory in north Phoenix, joining other companies like Intel in creating what some call the “semiconductor desert.” Shortly after, thousands of Arizona construction workers went to work bringing their years of training, knowledge and experience in advanced construction processes to build the facility with a focus on safety, efficiency and quality craftsmanship.

Now, those jobs are in danger. And it’s all being done through a worker visa program that allows good construction jobs to go to foreign workers — in this case from Taiwan. They are justifying this move by claiming that somehow Arizona workers lack the training, skills and experience needed to build the facility. It’s simply not true. 

TSMC paying foreign workers less?

While TSMC claims that these temporary workers will not replace American workers on the job, contractors and workers are being “descoped,” which is construction-speak for fired. TSMC claims that Arizona workers are lacking in experience and skills, and that’s why they need temporary workers to “train” Arizona workers. 

The truth is our workers are well-equipped and able to meet semiconductor construction demands right now. The truth is our workers have built Intel for over 20 years. Union workers complete rigorous multiyear apprenticeship programs that include hundreds of hours of classroom training and field experience. The truth is that the unions I represent have supplied all of the work hours TSMC has requested, which directly contradicts TSMC’s framing of this issue as a lack of skilled American workers. TSMC has also not informed us of skills our workers are allegedly lacking or what training these Taiwanese workers will provide to our workers.

This leaves just one alternative conclusion: that TSMC is blaming its construction delays on American workers and using that as an excuse to bring in foreign workers who they can pay less. 

The members of Arizona Building and Construction Trades are asking TSMC to work with us in good faith. We want this project completed on schedule just as much as TSMC does. We have thousands of members showing up to work at TSMC every day completing skilled work as assigned. Please do not misrepresent the reasons for the delay in completing the north Phoenix fabrication plant – much less the decision to bring in foreign workers."

Butler, A. (2023). My View: TSCM Should Not Blame US Workers for Phoenix Construction Delays. Phoenix Business Journal. Retrieved from https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2023/07/27/tsmc-worker-shortage-phoenix.html

In solidarity,

Fred Yamashita
Executive Director
Arizona AFL-CIO

Arizona AFL-CIO 11th Annual Labor Day Luncheon

We invite you to join us for our Labor Day Luncheon on Friday, September 1st at the Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak! We offer a variety of table sponsorship options and individual ticket options.

We kindly request that you provide us with the names of attendees once you have made your purchase. If you have any questions please contact our Communications Director, Alina Cordoba at [email protected]. 

NALC Disaster Relief Foundation- Maui & Big Island

With a contribution to the NALC Disaster Relief Foundation, you can help our brothers and sister who are being affected by the devastating wildfires burning in Hawaii this week across Maui and the Big Island. 

One hundred percent of donations from NALC members go directly to assist other members. 

How to Win HUGE Cash prizes from Union Plus

The 2023 Union Plus Labor Day campaign is here! The Unions Power America Contest is kicking things off, running through July 26. Union Plus is awarding $140,000 in cash prizes, including a $40,000 grand prize. The past few years have been hard for workers—so we want to help hardworking union families dream big.

Union Plus wants to hear your stories—of going above and beyond for others and powering your communities, workplaces and families. Members can nominate themselves to win, or people can nominate any current or retired union member in their life to win by sharing their inspiring stories.

Join the Arizona AFL-CIO Labor Book Club

Our goal is to explore the history, impact, and ongoing struggle of the labor movement. This is an open community event, inviting union members, potential members, and anyone interested in the labor movement to come together and discuss books that highlight the lives of workers and the many facets of unionized labor.

Don't miss out on the fun; we hope to see you there, and be sure to spread the word!

Petition: Pass the Richard L. Trumka PRO Act

The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act is landmark worker empowerment, civil rights and social justice legislation. It is an essential part of creating an economy that works for everyone. 

If we want to build up worker power, our outdated labor laws must keep up with the times. If you think we need to protect working people, take 30 econds to add your name in support of the PRO Act 

Julie Su Needs Your Help!

We know Su is the right person to support America’s workers. She’s never backed down from a fight when workers’ fundamental rights are on the line—and with your help, we’re not backing down either.

The problem? Well-heeled lobbyists and corporate special interests are spending big to block Su's confirmation because they know she puts working people first. Workers deserve a labor secretary who will fiercely defend us. 

Call your senators now and tell them to vote to confirm Julie Su as secretary of the Department of Labor. 

Union Events and Action

We want to uplift what you are doing for our members and our community!

Please fill out all the required information to have your Local's event uploaded to our Arizona AFL-CIO website or featured in our next Labor Dispatch. If you have any questions please reach out to Alina Cordoba, Communications & Operations Director at [email protected].

Arizona Legislature Can't Wait to Fix the Universal School Voucher Mess It Created 

"Offering universal school vouchers was a big mistake that'll cost nearly $1 billion a year. Scrap it before it's too late." 

The Labor Nominee Making Sure Staffers Get Home for Bedtime

"While her confirmation has stalled in the Senate — if confirmed, Su would be the first Asian American secretary in President Biden’s cabinet — she’s continued to work as acting secretary and focus on notching wins for workers rather than on what the headlines say. Su is also a mother of two college-age daughters, so she’s made a point of cultivating an office culture that allows fellow parents to spend time with their kids. When she’s not working, she’s watching her daughter’s basketball games or exploring Washington, D.C. Here’s how she gets it done."

Biden to Reinstate Labor Rule Shelved by Reagan, Giving Construction Workers a Pay Boost 

"In a nod to labor unions, President Joe Biden is moving to boost wages for construction workers on projects paid for with federal funding, a step that would appeal to a key constituency ahead of next year’s presidential election and potentially shrink the pay gap between northern and southern states. The Biden administration said Tuesday it intends to restore a definition of the “prevailing wage” that was abandoned four decades ago by Ronald Reagan. The update would change how the prevailing wage is calculated and could put thousands of extra dollars every year in the pockets of construction crews working on federal projects.”

Writers Guild East Leader Says This 100-Day Strike Is Different: Studios More "Obstinate" Now

"As picketers gathered in front of Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery locations, outgoing WGA East president Michael Winship said the AMPTP is different than in 2007-2008: "It's just gonna take a little while longer.'"

Striking Hotel Workers File Complaint Over Alleged Violence on Picket Line

"Striking hotel workers in Southern California filed a complaint on Monday with the National Labor Relations Board alleging that the hotels were “committing and/or condoning violence” after a fight on the picket line, their union announced."

Marvel Studios' VFX Workers File for Unprecedented Union Elections

"Visual Effects (VFX) crews at marvel Studios have filed for a unionization election with the National Labor Relations Board, Monday. The move signals a major shift in an industry that has largely remained non-union since VFX was pioneered during production of the first Star Wars films in the 1970s. A supermajority of Marvel's more than 50-worker crew had signed authorization cards indicating they wish to be represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)."

Multipronged $50 Million Campaign Backed by Labor Aims to Prioritize Child and Senior Care 

“A new labor-backed campaign plans to spend at least $50 million ahead of the 2024 election to put child and senior care legislation back on the priority list, after it fell out of President Joe Biden’s legislative agenda during his administration."

Arizona Truck Drivers Owed Share of $5.6M in Back Wages and Damages, Labor Dept. Says

“Judge in Arizona ruled the companies must pay the drivers the employer wrongly classified as independent contractors."

Thousands Helped, Thousands More May Still Be in Need After Medicaid Scams

“A state hotline has helped thousands of victims in the two months since state officials uncovered a string of fraudulent Medicaid-funded addiction care facilities in Arizona, but the exact scale of the problem is still unknown. Navajo officials estimate that as many as 8,000 tribal members may have been affected by the scam, and the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System said it has provided aid to more than 3,000 – including 22 fraud victims that it has returned to other states."

Tucson Electric Power Home Bills Are Going Up Again. Here's How Much.

“Home customers of Tucson Electric Power will see their bills rise an average of about $11 per month starting next month, under new rates approved Tuesday by state regulators. The rate increase approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission was less than TEP’s original request for an average home bill increase of about $14 monthly."

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