Citing the need to rebuild the American auto manufacturing sector by building more efficient vehicles, the United Auto Workers union recently announced it would join the BlueGreen Alliance, a fast-growing labor-environmental partnership dedicated to expanding the number and quality of jobs in the green economy.
With the addition of UAW, the BlueGreen Alliance now unites nine major U.S. labor unions and two of America’s largest environmental organizations in pursuit of good jobs, a clean environment and a green economy.
“UAW members produce best-in-class cars and trucks, key vehicle components, and top-quality, heavy-duty trucks, and we know that we can rebuild the American auto industry by building cleaner, more efficient vehicles – and developing the technologies that will get us there,” said UAW president Bob King. “We have enormous opportunities to revitalize this industry, and the American economy, by embracing the clean energy economy of the future.”
“We are thrilled to become part of this unique partnership of working people and environmentalists who are striving to build a cleaner, more efficient and more prosperous American economy,” continued King.
The UAW – the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America – is one of the largest and most diverse unions in North America, and brings to the BlueGreen Alliance 390,000 men and women employed by multinational corporations, small manufacturers and state and local governments to colleges and universities, hospitals and private non-profit organizations.
“The American auto industry is poised to lead the world in the production of cleaner, more fuel-efficient cars and advanced vehicle technologies,” said Leo W. Gerard, international president of the United Steelworkers, a founder of the BlueGreen Alliance. “The members of UAW, working people who make America’s vehicles, are a welcome addition to our effort to create millions of good jobs while protecting the environment for future generations.”
“Clean transportation is a critical element to reducing the emissions that cause global warming,” said Carl Pope, chairman of the Sierra Club, a founder of the BlueGreen Alliance. “UAW members are a critical voice to add to the ranks of millions of BlueGreen Alliance members and supporters who are working to rebuild the American economy by making it cleaner, more efficient and more prosperous for future generations.”
“The UAW’s commitment to energy-efficient transportation will strengthen the voice of our labor-environmental partnership as we work to help build a clean energy economy that benefits working and middle-class families. That means quality jobs, sustainable communities and accessible and affordable technology, like high-speed broadband, that will spur needed economic growth in the U.S.,” said Larry Cohen, president of the Communications Workers of America, a member of the BlueGreen Alliance.
The BlueGreen Alliance was launched in 2006 by the Sierra Club and the United Steelworkers, and has since grown to include nine major U.S. labor unions and two of America’s largest environmental organizations – bringing together nearly 9 million members and supporters – in pursuit of good jobs, a clean environment and a green economy.
“The BlueGreen Alliance and UAW share the goal of rebuilding the American auto industry, creating and saving the good jobs that come along with it, and reducing pollution and our dependence on foreign oil through more efficient transportation,” said David Foster, executive director of the Blue Green Alliance. “We are pleased to welcome the UAW to the ranks of our union members and environmentalists working together to build a revitalized clean energy economy.”
The BlueGreen Alliance is a national partnership of labor unions and environmental organizations dedicated to expanding the number and quality of jobs in the clean energy economy. Launched by the Sierra Club and the United Steelworkers in 2006, the BlueGreen Alliance now includes the Communications Workers of America, Natural Resources Defense Council, Service Employees International Union, Laborers' International Union of North America, Utility Workers Union of America, American Federation of Teachers, Amalgamated Transit Union, Sheet Metal Workers' International Association and the UAW. For more, visit www.bluegreenalliance.org.