Fighting for renewable energy industry jobs and safety

In these challenging times, GWA members continue to defend renewable energy jobs in their home states and in Washington, DC. In the face of on-the-job deaths and grievous injuries on wind turbine sites, GWA members in the wind industry are organizing to improve safety in the industry. We're also helping members secure good union jobs building solar projects.

On March 21, GWA member and longtime solar installer Felicia Allen joined a virtual press conference with Mayor Jeff Mims of Dayton and other leaders who talked about the importance of renewable energy tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) for Ohio's economy. Felicia's story of how working in the solar field changed her life was the most powerful part of the event. “Before I got in the industry, I worked at Taco Bell," Allen said. "I was on public assistance, and I was just in this vicious cycle that I never thought that I was going to get out of. Here I am in renewables. I'm completely self sufficient taking care of my family. And without the IRA, none of this would have been possible.”

Also in late March, GWA member and wind tech Joe Zimsen joined members of the group United Today, Stronger Tomorrow from heartland states and Alaska for a legislative fly-in in DC. Joe emphasized to members of Congress the importance of preserving renewable energy tax credits for workers like him. He met with staff for three of the four Iowa (his home state) House members, and both Senators. He also spoke briefly with Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Sen. Joni Ernst, who expressed her support for wind energy and the tax credits that foster its development. It was Joe's first time lobbying, and he did a great job!

Recent months have seen a series of tragedies in the wind industry, with two technicians falling to their deaths in February and another worker, just 19 years old, dying in a fall earlier this month. This is why GWA wind techs are organizing to improve safety in the field. Our revitalized wind safety committee met on April 13. Six leaders discussed the most critical safety improvements needed and the key actors to pressure for change. After conducting further research, the group plans to meet again in May and develop an action plan for our wind safety campaign.

Finally, through our relationships with building trades unions, members are finding good union jobs building solar farms and other projects. Several members (including Felicia Allen) have become members of IBEW locals in the last few months. Ann Salcido, who, along with her husband Joseph, completed a pre-apprenticeship program with the help of GWA, was recently named member of the month for LIUNA Local 350. "As a pregnant woman in a male-dominated field, I am committed to delivering exceptional results and learning from others," Ann said upon learning of the award. "The union has created a welcoming environment, ensuring my safety and providing flexibility for my OB appointments. I am proud to be part of this organization and believe other females can also excel."

Congrats to Ann and all the new union members from GWA!