Larisa Manescu, larisa.manescu@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC – The United Auto Workers have announced a strike, as a result of stalled negotiations and its contract expiring with the “Big Three” automakers, Ford, General Motors, and Stellanis.
The Sierra Club, alongside many in the environment movement, has been echoing the demand of auto workers to ensure that the clean energy transition is a just transition.
On the first day of the Detroit Auto Show this week, climate activists delivered a message to the “Big Three” on behalf of over 100 environmental, advocacy, consumer, and civil society groups, calling on the automakers to meet UAW demands and protect workers in the electric vehicle transition.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous released the following statement:
“All eyes are on the ‘Big Three’ automakers right now to take this opportunity to do things right: The transformation of the auto industry away from the fossil fuel car can be a win for workers, a win for climate, a win for the auto industry, and a win for consumers. Auto workers have the right to strike to secure a strong contract, and the Sierra Club supports that right. The ‘Big Three’ must ensure that autoworkers previously assembling gas-powered vehicles are eligible for unionization — offering the same pay and benefits — in the ‘Battery Belt’ of the South and Midwest. We will continue to work alongside our labor partners for a just transition for workers as the auto industry moves urgently toward electric vehicles.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.