Oregon’s labor unions have launched a new coalition. It is called Climate Jobs Oregon. This group will champion clean energy policies. The goal is to create good union jobs. It also aims to lower utility bills for families. Leaders from many building trades unions formed the coalition. The Oregon AFL-CIO is a key partner. Other groups include the Oregon State Building and Construction Trades Council. Several IBEW, IUOE, Laborers, SMART, and UA locals also joined. This news was announced at recent press conferences. The coalition worked with Cornell University’s Climate Jobs Institute. They developed policy recommendations. These focus on expanding union apprenticeships. They also aim to speed up clean energy development permits.
Driving Oregon’s Clean Energy Transition
Oregon faces urgent climate challenges. These include intense wildfires and heatwaves. The state also aims for significant emission reductions. A major target is 100% clean electricity by 2040. Achieving these goals requires massive infrastructure development. This means a huge need for skilled workers. Climate Jobs Oregon seeks to fill this need. The coalition believes union labor is key. Union workers offer high skill and safety standards. They also receive fair wages and benefits. Graham Trainor leads the Oregon AFL-CIO. He emphasizes this point. “Oregon needs a massive increase in workers,” Trainor stated. “Those workers must be trained to the highest caliber.” He also stressed career pathways. They must include wages, benefits, and retirement plans. This ensures families can thrive. “Let’s be crystal clear: Those are union jobs,” he added.
Key Partners and Their Vision
Climate Jobs Oregon represents a united front. It brings together many unions. This includes the Oregon State Building and Construction Trades Council. Specific unions involved are IBEW Locals 48, 125, and 932. Operating Engineers Local 701 is also part of it. Laborers locals, including LIUNA Local 737 and the Oregon and Southern Idaho District Council of Laborers, are partners. The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) Local 16 joined. So did the United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) Local 290. Tiffany Wilkins from IUOE Local 701 sees opportunity. She noted that rural Oregon can benefit greatly. “Investing more in clean energy projects means communities will thrive,” Wilkins said. Stable energy prices are another benefit. Young workers can start careers locally. This creates a homegrown clean energy economy. It also addresses racial inequality. Osvaldo Fernandez, a LiUNA Local 737 member, shared his experience. Families struggle with rising costs. He sees clean energy investment as a solution. It supports jobs, housing, and energy affordability. It also leads to a healthier climate.
Policy Recommendations for Growth
The coalition’s approach is data-driven. They collaborated with Cornell University’s Climate Jobs Institute. This partnership produced a roadmap. It offers Oregon-specific solutions. The focus is on tackling climate and inequality together. Key recommendations include investing in union apprenticeship programs. This ensures a skilled and ready workforce. Expediting permitting for clean energy projects is also vital. This helps speed up development. It also makes projects more viable. The coalition advocates for strong labor standards. These include prevailing wage laws. Project labor agreements are also important. These measures help ensure high-quality jobs. They support a strong middle class in Oregon. The coalition aims to create a robust clean energy economy. This economy will be built from the ground up. It centers working people and their communities. The initiative supports the state’s broader climate goals. It also addresses economic and social disparities. This provides a pathway to prosperity for all Oregonians. The goals align with state efforts. For example, Oregon has passed legislation for clean energy targets. This includes emission reduction goals for electricity providers. These targets aim for an 80% reduction by 2030. The coalition’s work supports these ambitious state objectives. It seeks to ensure the transition benefits everyone involved.
Building a Sustainable and Equitable Future
Climate Jobs Oregon represents a significant step. It unites labor power with climate action. The coalition is dedicated to creating family-sustaining jobs. These jobs will power Oregon’s clean energy future. They will also address the state’s economic and social challenges. This new initiative promises a brighter future. It is one with cleaner energy and greater opportunity for all Oregonians. The vision is clear: a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable Oregon.
