Energy Transition Poses Opportunities, Challenges To Organized Labor

"President Biden’s push for “good, union jobs” in clean energy has increased hope that organizing solar and wind workers can close the pay gap between them and fossil fuel workers."

"Two years ago, Skip Bailey noticed a lot of trucks from a company called Solar Holler driving around Huntington, West Virginia. A union organizer with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Bailey saw an opportunity.

“We want to get in on the solar business,” he said, predicting the industry will grow in his home region, which includes historic coal communities in West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio.

Bailey talked to Solar Holler about unionizing its employees who install photovoltaic panels on homes. IBEW showed the company its local training facility for electricians, and explained the health insurance and pension plans it offers."

Delger Erdenesanaa reports for Inside Climate News July 27, 2021.

SEE ALSO:

"Building Solar Farms May Not Build the Middle Class" (New York Times)

"Labor, Environment Groups Push Congress For 'Bold' Manufacturing Investments" (The Hill)

"Biden Hosts Business, Labor Chiefs Amid Infrastructure Drama" (Bloomberg)

"A Conversation With the BlueGreen Alliance’s Jason Walsh" (Yale Climate Connections)

"What Will It Take For Biden To Bring Blue-Collar Workers Into The Democratic Fold? Local Pundit, Union Rep Weigh In" (WFMZ)

Source: Inside Climate News, 07/29/2021