Tesla workers are taking the lead in ensuring that green jobs are good jobs and that the transition to a climate-safe economy can and must be good for workers. #WePowerBuffalo
#WePowerBuffalo
The Labor Network for Sustainability today hailed the workers who are organizing a union drive at the Tesla Gigafactory 2 in Buffalo, New York. LNS executive director Michael Leon Guerrero said, “Tesla workers are taking the lead in ensuring that green jobs are good jobs and that the transition to a climate-safe economy can and must be good for workers.”
The Tesla project received $750 million in taxpayer funding for its state-of-the-art solar production facility. New York State promised 1,460 “direct manufacturing jobs” in the high-unemployment area. However, Tesla job listings offer primarily entry-level positions with wages as low as $14 per hour and limited benefits. Tesla’s workers seek by forming a union to win wages that can support their families and provide job security, benefits, and other basic protections.
“We are hearing a lot about the need for a Green New Deal that will provide millions of good jobs helping protect the climate. These Tesla workers represent the Green New Deal in action,” said Michael.
LNS Organizer and former secretary-treasurer of the United Auto Workers Elizabeth Bunn, said: “Tesla workers are working to create a sustainable climate. They deserve the right to negotiate for sustainable wages and benefits.”