IUE-CWA Members on National Stage in Promoting Clean Energy, Good Green Jobs

St. Louis, Mo.

Ready for your close up? That's the question asked of a couple of IUE-CWA members in clean energy jobs at Pauwels Transformers as they promoted green jobs.

Buddy Mason of IUE-CWA Local 1114 , was part of a commercial filmed in late August with Cameron Diaz, Leonardo DiCaprio and other celebrities to urge the Senate to join the House in passing climate change legislation.

Mason was selected thanks to his starring role in a couple of ads filmed last spring by the National Resources Defense Council.

The House victory was in part thanks to several IUE-CWA members who went to Capitol Hill mid-June to lobby House members to support the climate change bill. That legislation would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by requiring greater use of alternative energy sources and set a price on carbon usage to encourage conservation.

Also taking his turn on stage was Mason's local president, Gerald Nickelson, who was part of the "Made in America Jobs Tour."

The August tour is a series of more than 50 events in 22 states and features elected representatives, labor leaders, clean energy workers and business owners coming together to talk about how going green can not only save the planet, but revitalize American manufacturing.

Nickelson spoke at the St. Louis Community College stop, explaining that he and his fellow workers have green jobs that come with good wages and benefits.

He also attended a meeting with Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill (D) to seek her support for the climate bill.

Pauwels's workers manufacture transformers for the wind and solar industries.

In Dayton, Local 755 hosted another stop along the tour where 100 gathered to hear speakers that included IUE-CWA President Jim Clark and Local 755 Steward Shawn Grimes, who make hybrid batteries for Cobasys.

Part of the reason IUE-CWA members have come to the forefront in the campaign for a strong clean energy policy is the training the Division did as part of its Green Jobs program.

The Division brought together local leaders in green jobs for a two-day spokesperson session that was part style and part substance.

The classes examined the climate change issues and solutions, as well as providing tips and exercises in public speaking.