Our three essential components of success in 2021
Basic labor standards in emerging green sectors. This is foundational as we push for development that will build the clean-energy economy of tomorrow in New York. Without core labor and responsible-contracting standards, jobs in new green sectors are at high risk of being low-wage, non-union jobs with limited career prospects, and limited economic benefit to New York communities. As we build back from this economic crisis, we cannot afford to lose another decade of wage growth; even before the COVID-19 pandemic, 40% of Americans couldn’t handle a $400 emergency. We also cannot afford to replace good, union jobs in outgoing fossil-fuel sectors with low-wage, non-union work.
What do we mean by core labor and responsible-contracting standards? Project labor agreements (PLAs) and workforce development agreements for all construction; prevailing wage requirements for all construction and building service workers; labor peace agreements for operations, maintenance, and manufacturing; apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and labor-management training partnership and utilization; and ensuring good jobs for disadvantaged communities.Green infrastructure investments that can reduce emissions and put New Yorkers back to work. We know we need to take aggressive action to combat climate change and meet the state’s ambitious emissions-reduction goals. We know we need to create good jobs and spur an economic recovery. There are important opportunities to do both:
-In the building sector, with large-scale retrofits for energy efficiency and solar power on schools and other public facilities, we can make a big dent in emissions, put people to work relatively quickly, and earn energy savings down the road that can provide much-needed resources to public institutions.
-In the energy sector, following through on the state’s ambitious offshore wind agenda is an essential component of success. Climate Jobs NY has played an important role in the state’s unprecedented commitments to date, from procuring 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind power to investing in port infrastructure. Making sure these projects move forward quickly, strategically, and successfully is crucial. 2021 also offers large-scale opportunities in energy transmission and beyond.
-In the transport sector, preserving our public transit system is a fundamental part of getting to a low-carbon transportation sector and serving the populations that rely on public transit. There are also targeted opportunities to create additional good jobs and emissions reductions, from bus-rapid-transit lanes around the state to high-speed rail, to robust electric-vehicle infrastructure.
Mapping a holistic just transition for workers and communities that rely on fossil fuel industries and communities most affected. With leadership by Climate Jobs NY leaders and allies, 2021 can be the year that a practical just transition takes shape, including working together through the New York State Just Transition Working Group.