Wireless Estimator questions on a survey discussed around MN bill (now law) related to prevailing wages and broadband installers. It’s worth noting that the publication has a distinct point of view…

A newly signed bill in Minnesota, endorsed by Governor Tim Walz, prioritizes fair labor practices in broadband network construction. When distributing broadband funding, the Minnesota Broadband Office must now favor applicants who pay prevailing wages and offer comprehensive benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and training opportunities.

Several broadband providers across Minnesota unsuccessfully urged state lawmakers to drop Article 10 of the House Labor Omnibus bill last month, citing that it would increase costs, bureaucracy, and investments in broadband deployment. 

The Communications Workers of America (CWA) labor union, which supports the legislation, has accused the broadband industry of unsafe underground construction practices.

After being challenged by broadband providers about this claim, the union hired North Star Policy Action (NSPA) to write a report supporting its claims.

They said the firm appeared to be run by a single individual with no expertise or prior experience in underground construction or broadband.

The report admits the data it relied on is “plagued by many unknowns.” Yet the letter to Governor Walz said the author was quick to make deeply flawed, sensationalized findings.

NSPA cited “a recent CWA national survey” taken in October 2020 to find that “57% of telecommunications technicians said they saw safety risks for workers and the public.” The “national survey” was of 1,500 AT&T subcontractors’ employees. Compounding the associations’ concern was their knowledge that AT&T provides no wireline broadband services in Minnesota and will not be eligible for BEAD funding in Minnesota.