Contact: Jess Kamm Broomell, (412) 562-2444, jkamm@usw.org
(PITTSBURGH) – The United Steelworkers union (USW) today announced an agreement with Convalt Energy mutually pledging to prioritize workers’ rights as together they work to bring solar energy manufacturing back to the United States.
“Domestic workers are more than up to the challenge of combating climate change,” said USW International President David McCall. “But as ways in which we meet our energy needs shift, we must ensure that the jobs of the future are good, community-sustaining jobs. We applaud Convalt for trusting in its workforce and taking this decisive step forward.”
USW Vice President Roxanne Brown said that this sort of arrangement demonstrates the true promise of President Joe Biden’s energy policy.
“Today’s announcement is a tribute to the Biden-Harris administration’s leadership and commitment to workers,” Brown said. “Built into the bedrock of their efforts to breathe new life into our nation’s solar industry is the idea that workers must have a voice in what comes next.”
Convalt Energy CEO Hari Achuthan said that the agreement signals his company’s commitment to the communities in which it operates.
“We are in the midst of bringing the solar manufacturing supply chain back to the United States, and given the chance, we know domestic producers can compete and win,” Achuthan said. “The Biden-Harris administration has been a great partner in this effort.
“Our most important asset will be our people, and the agreement we’ve signed with USW signals our dedication to ensuring they are able to access their rights in the workplace. Convalt’s commitment to our workers and innovation, especially in next generation solar technologies, will be a winning combination and supports the administration’s goals to create good paying jobs right here in America.”
The agreement between the USW and Convalt commits the company to refrain from pressuring or intimidating workers during their unionization efforts, ensuring a free and fair election.
“Building out our domestic solar manufacturing capacity – from production of solar cells, modules and panels to the installation, maintenance and repair of solar energy equipment – must have a Made-In-America solution,” McCall said. “We look forward to working with employers like Convalt as we ensure long-term success across this sector.”
The USW represents 850,000 workers in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations.
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