First U.S. industrial union to endorse Green New Deal cites opportunity to create millions of good, union jobs

For more information contact:
Jonathan Kissam, UE Communications Director: (802) 343 1745 | jkissam@ueunion.org
Sofie Kasarek, Sunrise Movement: press@sunrisemovement.org

UE, the independent, progressive union whose Locals 506 and 618 conducted the first major manufacturing strike of the Trump era in Erie, PA last winter and endorsed Bernie Sanders for President on Monday, has endorsed the Green New Deal and the Global Climate Strike scheduled for September 20-27, 2019.

“The Green New Deal offers our best hope to meet the challenge of climate change while creating millions of good union jobs,” said UE General President Peter Knowlton.

Sunrise Movement Executive Director Varshini Prakash addressed the convention delegates prior to the discussion. She told UE members, “The Green New Deal is an economic vision for the 21st century. We are forcing a departure from 40 years of corporate control of our government, from wage stagnation, from rising levels of wealth inequality. We are moving towards an economic vision for this country that is a courageous and compassionate vision.”

The resolution adopted by the convention yesterday reads in part:

Like the transformation of our manufacturing infrastructure and economy that took place during World War II, a just and successful transition to a sustainable industrial and manufacturing base will require massive infusion of federal and state resources, coordination between government, industry and labor, and democratic participation of workers through widespread unionization. Millions of workers could be employed strengthening our infrastructure, rebuilding our rail and transit systems, converting to renewable energy sources, protecting against the effects of rising temperatures, and in many other areas.

"UE" is the abbreviation for United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America, a democratic national union representing some 35,000 workers in a wide variety of manufacturing, public sector and private service-sector jobs. UE is an independent union (not affiliated with the AFL-CIO) proud of its democratic structure and progressive policies.

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