How can the labor and environmental movements work together to build a clean energy economy that supports healthy communities and a planet where everyone can thrive? On International Workers Day, May 1, Derrick Figures, the Sierra Club’s Labor Program Director, joined a lineup of special guests from the labor movement to explore this question.
Earth Week & Labor: Sharonda Williams-Tack
Investing in the reduction of high energy burdens (the proportion of income spent on household energy) can support the development of a strong and diverse energy efficiency workforce that represents the local community. Sharonda Williams-Tack, the Associate Director of the Sierra Club’s Healthy Communities campaign, talks to Derrick Figures about this intersection of climate and economic justice work.
Earth Week & Labor: Ben Beachy
“To truly build back better, we have to tackle the interlocking crises of systemic racism, economic inequity, the climate crisis, and public health,” says Ben Beachy, director of the Sierra Club’s Living Economy Program. “Climate solutions are also our job solutions. It’s not possible to tackle the climate crisis without creating good jobs.” Listen to Beachy in conversation with Figures.
Earth Week & Labor: UFCW
The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union represents grocery workers, home health aides, and frontline workers. Rachel Lyons, Legislative Director at the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) discusses how unions make an enormous difference in ensuring workers are paid fair wages, treated with respect, and offered fair schedules, family-friendly policies, and health care.
Earth Week & Labor: AFSCME
“Unions symbolize equality,” says Holly Biglow, Legislative Specialist at AFSCME. “A collective bargaining agreement does not change based on how you look or who you are.” Listen to Biglow’s conversation with Figures about the history of AFSCME, and how unions benefit communities.