(NEW YORK CITY) - Climate Jobs NY - a coalition of Labor Unions that represents more than 2.6 million New Yorkers on a mission to advocate for a Clean Energy Economy while creating good Union Jobs - has received a proclamation from the New York City Council in recognition of their work within the Renewable Energy Economy. 

Since their launch in 2017, Climate Jobs NY has campaigned for investments in better public buildings and schools, advanced a Pro-Worker vision for offshore wind, and secured strong Labor Standards for Workers in the growing Clean Energy Economy. 

Rank-and-file members of three of the Climate Jobs NY coalition-affiliated Unions received the proclamation on behalf of Climate Jobs NY: Mara Baboff, a Public School Teacher and Member of the United Federation of Teachers (UFT); Emanuel Yllescas, an Electrician and Member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 3; and Nella Pineda-Marcon, a Nurse and Member of the New York Nurses Association (NYSNA).

Climate Jobs NY Executive Director Lenore Friedlaender said: “Climate Jobs NY is very pleased to be recognized by the City Council for our efforts to make New York City and State a leader in creating good Union Jobs in the Clean and Renewable Energy Sectors.  The Carbon Free and Healthy Schools Campaign advocates for New York City to transition all of the New York City Public Schools to solar power and implement other energy efficiency measures and physical plant improvements to ensure that all of New York’s Public Schools are healthy and energy efficient places to learn and to work.”

In May 2022, Climate Jobs NY released a report calling on City Leaders to invest in carbon-free and healthy public buildings.

New York City owns 17,000 properties, including more than 1,800 public schools, 335 public housing developments, and 70 patient care centers. 

New York State Building Trades President Gary LaBarbera said: “We appreciate the New York City Council’s recognition of the crucial role that Union Members play in the transition to a clean, green and renewable energy future.  Union Members are trained and ready to build and operate offshore wind, install solar panels on New York’s buildings and make the energy efficiency building retrofits so that we reduce overall energy use.”

New York City AFL-CIO Central Labor Council President Vincent Alvarez said: “We applaud the City Council for lifting up the work of Labor and community coalitions who are advocating for the responsible development of clean and renewable energy.  The Labor Movement is in the forefront of these efforts as New York City moves towards addressing the ongoing threat of climate change and building out a Clean Energy Economy.”

NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Council Members Sandy Nurse, Carmen De La Rosa, Amanda Farías, James Gennaro and Alexa Avilés presented Climate Jobs NY with the proclamation as part of the New York City Climate Week 2023.

To Directly Access This Labor News Report, Go To: Climate Jobs Honored With NYC Council Proclamation – LaborPress