William Hite, general president of the United Association of PlumbersandPipeFitters, says that while his union is "certainly concerned" about the potential for job losses, the mercury rule could also create thousands of jobs for workers who build and install pollution control equipment.
The union claims the move would lead to skilled workers, including electricians, pipe-fitters andplumbers, being forced to work on semi-skilled grades and losing up to a third of their pay.