AFL-CIO Initiates Climate, Equity and Jobs Program
Editorial StaffThe Facts -
- AFL-CIO hosted an Earth Day event to discuss climate change, racial and environmental justice, and job equity.
- They outlined a strategy for advancing these causes within the labor movement, recognizing that climate change disproportionately impacts Black and Brown workers.
- AFL-CIO pledges to engage with justice organizations, invest in climate resilience, grow the labor movement through clean energy investments, and support marginalized and at-risk communities.
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond recently organized an event exploring climate change, equity, and jobs for Earth Day. AFL-CIO affiliates, workers affected by climate change, Biden administration reps, and racial justice, environmental and environmental justice organizations participated. The event initiated a dialogue on climate change's impact on workers and communities.
Shuler and Redmond introduced the event discussing climate change's threats to all workers, particularly Black and Brown workers. They highlighted AFL-CIO’s strategy for promoting environmental and racial justice. Remarks were made by members from AFSCME, IUPAT, and UNITE HERE. The event featured a fireside chat with leaders from NAACP, United Way, CAB Outreach International Ministries, DOL, GreenLatinos, Howard University School of Law, and BlueGreen Alliance.
Shuler said, “The modern labor movement centers racial justice, young workers, and the experiences of Black and Brown workers who have been marginalized due to systemic racism and bias. We are uniting with our allies to fight for representation.”
NAACP CEO Derrick Johnson claimed, “Today's collaboration is a crucial step towards environmental and racial justice. We acknowledge the impact of climate change on Black and Brown workers and commit to a future where every voice is heard and every community thrives."
“Climate change poses challenges for all workers", stated Rajesh Nayak, assistant secretary for policy, DOL. “Heat, a leading cause of death among all weather-related phenomena, disproportionately affects workers of color. We are initiating new rulemaking, enforcement, and engagement at the DOL to keep workers safe."Resolution 5
The AFL-CIO passed a historic resolution during the 2022 convention recognizing climate change's impacts and the need for union and government responses. A four-point plan was laid out:
- Engage with environmental, community, and racial justice organizations to advance equitable pollution and climate change solutions.
- Advocate for long-term investment in climate adaptation and resilience for working people's benefit.
- Use investment opportunities in clean energy to grow the labor movement and ensure job access equity.
- Fight for investment in marginalized and disadvantaged communities, and those dependent on endangered fossil fuel employment.
Media contact Riley Lopez: 202-637-5018
---
Read More USA Works News
