Shattering the Myth of "Jobs vs. the Environment"
In the past, relationships between union members and environmental activists have been littered with misunderstanding and miscommunication, and at times, have even been unfriendly. Differences have been fanned by corporate interests who benefited from splits between union members and environmental advocates.
In December, the Sierra Club Northstar Chapter and the Midwest Steelworker's Union (both members of the Blue/Green Alliance) got together to discuss our common values in order to work together on sulfide mining (copper, nickel, platinum, palladium), steelmaking, iron nugget furnaces, taconite plant expansions and power plants. Our common goals include:
- Innovation and technological know-how. We have a great deal of confidence in American ingenuity and capacity to develop new solutions. Any obstacles we face are political — not technological. We know how to do it. We just need the political will to get it done.
- Safety and Health for workers, the general public and our communities.
- Security — economic, national and energy security
Sharing our concerns, discussing new ideas, and promoting a bold vision for a better Iron Range, we held a series of three dialog forums between union folks and Sierra Club members.
We are working together to promote a common vision for creating good jobs, protecting the environment and promoting a safer world. We have common interests in the Northland. It is so important for all of us that we work together, both for the economic and the environmental wellbeing of our home, Northeast Minnesota.
To become a part of this ongoing conversation between Steelworkers and Sierra Club members, email at .