Labor Network for Sustainability recently brought together members of the AFT and NEA from the Educators Climate Action Network (ECAN) along with members of AFSCME for a workshop training on Pension Power. The workshop was facilitated by two incredible organizers, Jay O’Neal of the Sunrise Project (and former union educator), as well as Danielle Fox of Climate Finance Action (CFA). Attendees came together to discuss ways that pensions and worker capital can be a more powerful avenue for worker organizing and a force for better futures for working people– dignified working conditions and retirements; access to safe workplaces, educational spaces, and home lives; and a safer climate future for the health of our communities. The training showcased the range of ways pension funds can protect themselves from climate risk and advance real-world solutions that foster a healthier, more stable economy that serves the public good.
Union members were challenged to think about critical questions related to power over their pensions, including: How well do you know your fund? Do you know who your pension trustees are? Do you know if they’re appointed or elected? Are these trustees members of your union? What opportunities are coming up (e.g. trustee meetings, Board elections, policy reviews, year-end performance evaluations, etc.)? If you are a union public employee, try asking yourselves these questions and check out critical tools for power mapping your pension fund at this CFA website.
To get in touch, please contact Oren Kadosh at [email protected] or reach out directly to Jay and Danielle at this form: https://shorturl.at/kXCd5