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IBEW: An Environmentally-Conscious Union
The IBEW,
or International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, is one of the most widely
recognized international unions in America. They represent an impressive 750,000 members
throughout North America (specifically the US and Canada), and
their membership is located in a wide-variety of significant industries: utilities,
construction,
telecommunications, broadcasting, manufacturing, railroads and government. The IBEW is one of the most distinguished
unions affiliated with the union juggernaut, AFL-CIO (American
Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations), due mainly to its
membership size and high degree of involvement in the nation’s legislation.
In terms of
political activity, the IBEW primarily focuses their attention on issues that
concern our nation’s use of energy. While member protection is a number one
priority for the IBEW, the promotion
of alternative energy sources remains a considerable concern for its union
leadership. IBEW
leaders remain vigilant in their attempts to create job security in the
energy industries. They understand the
global threats that our world faces as a result of our current energy
consumption.
Recently, the union initiated its
newest campaign targeted at a bill designed to decrease the area available for
offshore wind farming, a highly
effective and environmentally-friendly alternative energy source. The bill is called the Coast Guard
Reauthorization Bill, and one of its provisions would hinder or prevent wind
farms from securing area for energy development. The IBEW urges its members to take active
roles in the legislative process and help prevent Congress from impeding the
alternative energy movement.
For more information on the current
status of the proposed bill, or for ways you can support the IBEW campaign,
please visit their website at www.ibew.org.
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