The Chesapeake Climate Action Network released the following statement in solidarity with oil refinery workers currently on strike for safe working conditions and fair labor practices:
“For over 12 years, the Chesapeake Climate Action Network has been working to advance the urgently needed shift away from oil, coal and gas to a clean, efficient and renewables-based energy system and economy. We do so because we want to prevent catastrophic climate change which will dramatically impact human societies and other life forms all over the world. Our desire is for a much more democratic, just and healthy world for all life on earth.
“That is why we support the work stoppage initiated on February 1 by the United Steelworkers of America at nine oil refineries. They did so over a number of issues, including: ‘dangerous conditions the industry continues to ignore; the daily occurrences of fires, emissions, leaks and explosions that threaten local communities without the industry doing much about it; and the flagrant contracting out that impacts health and safety on the job.’ (Steelworkers International Vice-President Gary Beevers, head of the Steelworkers National Oil Bargaining Program)
“It is in the interests of workers and nearby communities to demand that the oil industry provide a healthy and safe workplace. This is true for all workplaces, no matter what the industry, but it is particularly necessary for inherently dirty, polluting and dangerous industries.
“As we support the refinery workers, we continue to work for that time in the future when all energy jobs in this country are based on safer, cleaner, and sustainable energy like wind and solar power. We support a just transition to such an economy that includes provisions for jobs and job training for workers currently employed in carbon-based energy jobs.”
Contact: Ted Glick, 240-396-2155, ted@chesapeakeclimate.org
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