The responsible business and labor practices exhibited by employers in this report mark a shift towards a more sustainable business model for workers, shareholders, and the planet. Instead of squeezing workers, each of these companies treats their union workforce as an equal partner. And instead of causing environmental problems, the employers, employees, and unions that represent them work together to solve them, and are finding success in the process. Molly Bordonaro, Senior Vice President of Gerding Edlen Development, one of the companies featured in the 2010 Labor Day List, zeroes in on how such collaboration benefits the bottom line: "In the business and development world, time is money.  We've been able to prove demonstratively higher rewards and more valuable assets, even in a down economy, because of union labor." 

The employers featured in the 2010 Labor Day List are visionaries in various sectors of the clean energy economy. Yet all of the companies have one common denominator: a shared vision that to build a truly sustainable economy and planet, green jobs must be good jobs. These companies each deserve honors for their environmental stewardship, and on Labor Day they receive distinction for respecting their employees' rights and decision to join unions, providing fair wages and benefits, and facilitating strong labor-management partnerships. 

Companies Profiled in this Report:

Thanks to the fruitful relationship between its employees and their union, the United Food and Commercial Workers, Eurofresh (Willcox, AZ) is the leading year-round producer and marketer of pesticide-free greenhouse tomatoes and cucumbers. The company's commitment to sustainable practices, food safety, and workers' rights make it a standout in the agricultural industry.  (Contacts: Robert Pulido, Eurofresh Vice President, 520-384-4621 x 8417 and Paul Rubin, United Food & Commercial Workers, 520-884-9716.)

Flambeau River Papers (Park Falls, WI) is a pulp and paper mill that produces premium recycled paper used by commercial printers and envelope-makers. Flambeau's story illustrates a path to sustainability for the U.S. paper industry: respecting workers' rights and advancing environmentally-sound technologies. (Contacts: Butch Johnson, Flambeau River Papers CEO, 715-762-5332, and Ron Schoch, United Steelworkers, 715-762-5271.)

A pioneer in the green building industry, Gerding Edlen Development (Portland, OR) relies on skilled union workers as it revitalizes communities, furthers innovation, and creates good jobs.  This commercial real estate and investment firm has developed more LEED-certified green buildings than any other private development firm in the country. The company is now moving toward a "deeper shade of green," surpassing existing standards to develop projects that produce zero net carbon emissions. (Contacts: Mark Edlen, Gerding Edlen CEO and Co-Founder, 503-802-6644, and Greg Held, Laborers International Union of America, 503-760-2933.)

Golden Solar (Golden, CO) was founded by a master electrician and longtime member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, in response to groundbreaking renewable energy legislation passed in Colorado. Golden Solar installs solar panels for residential and commercial clients using 100-percent union labor. (Contacts: Shawn Josserand, Golden Solar, 303-955-6332, and Ed Knox, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, 303-297-0229.)

At Litecontrol (Hanson, MA), an architectural lighting company, workers have both a literal stake in the company – through an Employee Stock Option Plan – and a voice on the job through their union, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Litecontrol produces energy-efficient lighting systems for office buildings, schools, hospitals, and libraries, and minimizes its environmental footprint through sustainable manufacturing practices. Litecontrol's empowering mission is to "enable employees to share in the success they help create."  (Contacts: Cori Slade, Litecontrol Director of HR and Finance, 781-294-0100 x 2144 and Janet Vallee, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, 508-673-4899.)

Over the last 50 years, development company McGough Construction (St. Paul, MN), has built many of the iconic structures that grace the Twin Cities skylines, while sustaining an exceptional working relationship with local unions, including the St. Paul Building and Construction Trades Council. McGough also specializes in 'greening' existing buildings by implementing recycling programs, upgrading building systems to enhance energy efficiency, and providing resources for clients who want to pursue green building certifications.  McGough has earned the Minnesota Safety Council's "Award of Honor" five years in a row. (Contacts: Brad Wood, McGough, 612-802-4701 and Harry Melander, Minnesota Building Trades Council, 651-287-9999.)

Sharp Solar (Memphis, TN) is now one of the world's fastest-growing renewable energy companies, and attributes its growth to a strong relationship with its workers' union, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Sharp Solar is bringing good manufacturing jobs back to the United States while providing residential, commercial, and utility customers access to clean energy. The National Photovoltaic Construction Project uses Sharp Solar products exclusively, because Sharp's Memphis facility can deliver a product more quickly than an overseas factory. (Contacts: Susan DeVico, Sharp Public Relations, 510-339-1527 and Kenny Ingram, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, 901-726-4060.)

United Streetcar (Clackamas, OR) provides a model for the new, clean energy economy by helping expand energy efficient transit solutions, U.S manufacturing, and good union jobs. United Streetcar rolled out its premiere tram in Portland, OR in 2009 – the first U.S.-produced modern streetcar in nearly 60 years – and buys more than 70 percent of its source materials from U.S. companies. The company's streetcars are also operating in Seattle, WA, and Tucson, AZ. (Contacts: Chandra Brown, United Streetcar President, 503-653-6300, and Mike Lappier, Ironworkers, 503-257-4743.)