Join us.  Creating family supporting jobs is linked to fighting the climate crisis.  One will not happen without the other.  We are interested in building on-going, focused activity that makes this link with other union and environmental activists. 

Labor and Sustainability Conference, and beyond

We are Minnesota unionists deeply rooted in transportation, auto, cultural work, and service, who have equally deep concerns about the climate crisis in concert with depleted oil and the steady decline in jobs with decent wages and benefits. We see the need for a strong labor voice for sustainability. There is no greater issue facing our society.  We realize that a sustainability program in a jobs context is critical not only for the labor and environmental movements, but for our national and global well being. 

We know there are many people who share our concern within labor, and the movements for equality and the environment. On January 19-20, 2007 a Minnesota “Labor and Sustainability” conference was sponsored by UAW Local 879. Over 500 people attended the conference which included trade unionists, environmental activists, farmers, policymakers and concerned citizens. Workshops dealing with different aspects of sustainability bargaining, possible direct action campaigns, legislative and policy advocacy, farmer controlled renewables, labor/environmental coalitions, and sustainable manufacturing were well received. A list of the workshops and Presenters can be found here.

A Continuations Committee is being formed to carry on the excellent work generated in the workshops, plenary session and the closing dinner.  If you would like to join this group or have information and ideas to share, please contact us at info@laborandsustainability.org

Considerable groundwork connecting labor and sustainability has already taken place. Analysis and program generated by the Steelworkers Blue Green Alliance and the Apollo Alliance linking sustainability to decent jobs are significant pieces of that groundwork.  A durable formation on this foundation with a distinctly regional character and focused actions for real change would energize this jobs and sustainability agenda.