Spreading the Word 💬

In April, GWA members were very busy sharing their experiences in the renewable energy field with allies nationwide. They connected with other workers and supporters to spread the

word about our movement.

Solar worker Joseph Salcido joined other workers on a webinar about worker organizing and climate issues organized by EWOC, the Emergency Workplace Organizing Committee, and LNS, the Labor Network for Sustainability. A storm shut down power at the hotel he was staying at for work, but Joseph didn't miss a beat and did the Zoom from the phone in his car! He did a great job discussing worker issues in the utility-scale renewable field and how GWA members are coming together to improve conditions. A crew of GWA members Zoomed in to show support. GWA lead organizer Nico Ries and Executive Director Matthew Mayers joined members Patrick Foeday and Ann Hernandez at the largest-ever Labor Notes conference in Chicago, which had over 4,500 participants. Patrick did a fantastic job recounting his experiences as a wind tech and GWA leader in a panel on organizing in the renewable industry, along with members from the Utility Workers Union, IBEW, and CWA. GWA members Levi Covington, Oscar Pineda, and Annie Covington participated in a panel about working conditions in New York's solar industry. Cornell ILR's Climate Jobs Institute organized the panel to introduce a new report on the challenges facing workers in the state's solar field. The report is based on over 250 survey responses from workers (many GWA members). Levi, Oscar, and Annie brought their first-hand experiences from the field to the audience and came away with meaningful connections to further our work.