Union Energy’s founding meeting focuses on jobs, sustainable energy

Union jobs and sustainable energy were among the primary topics of discussion recently at Union Energy’s founding board meeting.

Harrisburg served as the site recently for the meeting, which saw more than a dozen labor unions join together to focus on creating union jobs in a sustainable energy future. Board members from the unions joined the PA AFL-CIO and the PA Building and Construction Trades Council to discuss the coalition’s goals and set priorities for 2025.

“We are tackling a broad issue that affects everyone,” Union Energy President Angela Ferritto said. “We are reshaping what our communities think about when they hear the word ‘union,’ and we are growing in a way that is not happening across the nation. This is reshaping and reframing people’s views on unions.”

Ferritto discussed how the coalition is working to shape policies that will create union jobs in a forward-facing energy economy, according to a release. In addition, Ferritto talked about Union Energy’s eight days of action, held in late August, which brought together stakeholders invested in the coalition including leaders from unions, businesses, and the faith community, as well as academics and students.

Ferritto said legislative wins, like the passage of Solar for Schools, will create union jobs and ensure Pennsylvania schools can run on renewable energy.

Union Energy Secretary-Treasurer Rob Bair highlighted the impact of the union apprenticeship factory tours. Following the event, the PA Building and Construction Trades Council received more than 300 calls from educators or students interested in getting involved in union apprenticeship training programs, which can help to build out the middle class.

“Labor cannot afford to be on the outside of the conversations anymore,” said Bair. “Environment and union jobs do not have to be mutually exclusive. We can build anything we need and make it successful and safe. We want to create opportunities, uplift more people, and make PA the number one job creating entity in the nation.”

How the coalition can focus on advancing its objectives and on growing union membership was also discussed by the board. Members analyzed the industries that can become involved in renewable energy solutions and how the products can get to the market.

As areas of Pennsylvania are suited for creating and hosting data centers that can bring jobs for union members, collaborating with community partners can help frame public perception about new technologies.