WASHINGTON, DC (June 17, 2021) –Senator Whitehouse introduced legislation directing significant federal resources to coal miners and power plant workers impacted by facility closures and the transition away from coal. Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA), AFL-CIO President James Slevin released the following statement in support of Senator Whitehouse’s Save Our Future Act:
“No one wins when the best source of good-paying jobs around suddenly shutters, devastating families and businesses. Coal plant and mine closures cause chaos that tears at the fabric of communities and our members’ lives. Senator Whitehouse’s legislation offers a better path forward for coal communities – one where individuals have an opportunity to forge ahead toward a new career while remaining in the communities where they have deep social and economic ties.
“Senator Whitehouse is leading the difficult but important conversations about how America’s energy transition impacts almost 100,000 individuals working in coal and mining facilities today. The five years of full wage replacement, health insurance coverage, pension and educational benefits in his legislation together represent a baseline of support we must offer individuals and communities that have powered American innovation for generations.
“This legislation – along with our recently released cost analysis – will help lawmakers see all of what’s at stake today. We are committed to working together to rally additional support behind this important initiative.”
###
Chartered in 1945, the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA), AFL-CIO represents around 50,000 active members employed in America’s utility sectors including the electric, gas, water, and related professional and service industries. James Slevin is the UWUA’s National President. For more information visit https://uwua.net.