Local construction union members are not thrilled by Globalfoundries construction plans in Malta and Stillwater, and they're planning a rally to express their concerns at 1 p.m. local time today.

The construction trade union members are rallying in support of legislation sponsored by labor committee leaders in the State Legislature that would define the Globalfoundries plant as a public works project, thus necessitatingunion hiring, pay rates and project agreements.

Union leaders have tried to convince Globalfoundries to guarantee union participation in Fab 2 construction, but the company has so far been unwilling to enter such agreements. It has said that it would hire union workers on "a substantial percentage" of the project, but this doesn't seem to be enough for the union.

Lawmakers from both sides of the isle are urging the chipmaker to enter into a formal agreement with the union.

"When did it become a public works project? When the public gives them $1.2 billion," said State Senator Roy McDonald. "The whole purpose was to stimulate jobs ... to hire local people."

More here.