The men and women of America’s workforce are already filling the need for green jobs.
More investments are needed to ensure no one is left behind as U.S. manufacturing evolves.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 23, 2009) – ULLICO Inc. Chief Executive Officer Edward J. McElroy today said union workers will play a key role in transforming the nation’s energy infrastructure in the years and decades to come. Speaking at the National Energy Summit in Washington, D.C., McElroy also highlighted the need for greater investments in job training programs to ensure that none of America’s workers are left behind as U.S. manufacturing becomes increasingly dependent on green jobs.
“Today’s unions recognize that our country’s energy infrastructure is in a period of transition,” said McElroy. “With this transition comes opportunity. Existing jobs will be transformed and modernized. New industries will develop, creating new jobs. Upgrading our existing systems will also create a significant volume of short term construction jobs.”
“Labor stands ready to fill these needs,” McElroy added. “The men and women who make up America’s workforce have valuable skills to contribute to our nation’s energy future.”
McElroy noted that the men and women of America are already doing many green jobs, such as constructing green buildings, upgrading energy grids and manufacturing more fuel efficient cars.
“Some workers don’t need to be retrained at all,” McElroy said. “They just need to be put to work on projects that are green.”
In other cases, more investments in job training programs are needed to ensure that men and woman in Cleveland, Pittsburgh and across the country have the practical means to make this transition, according to McElroy.
He noted that the AFL-CIO earlier this year announced a $1 million investment to create a Center for Green Jobs, demonstrating labor’s commitment to the task at hand. Several states and municipalities have also launched green jobs programs.
“It is important that these investments continue and multiply, McElroy concluded. “Having a skilled and eager workforce is one of the best ways to attract more investments, which in turn creates even more jobs.”
About the National Energy Summit
The National Energy Summit & International Dialogue is part of the Council on Competitiveness’ Energy Security, Innovation & Sustainability (ESIS) Initiative, founded in 2007. The goal of the Initiative is to enhance U.S. competitiveness and energy security by developing a public-private action agenda to drive private sector demand for sustainable energy solutions and create new markets, industries and jobs. For more information, visit www.compete.org/nes [1] <http://www.compete.org/nes> .
About ULLICO Inc.
ULLICO Inc., with $5.3 billion in total assets under management, is an insurance and financial services holding company. ULLICO's subsidiary companies include The Union Labor Life Insurance Company; ULLICO Investment Advisors, Inc.; ULLICO Investment Company; ULLICO Casualty Company; and ULLICO Casualty Group, Inc. Since 1927, the ULLICO Family of Companies has offered quality insurance and investment products and services to its single most important client, the American labor movement. For additional information, visit www.ullico.com [2] <http://www.ullico.com> .
About Edward J. McElroy
Edward J. McElroy, life-long educator and labor leader, is Chief Executive Officer of ULLICO Inc. Having been a Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee for more than five years, McElroy provides perceptive vision, strategic positioning and financial management for ULLICO.
McElroy is also President Emeritus of the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, having served as its president from 2004 to 2008.
McElroy began his career as a teacher in Warwick, R.I., and at age 30, became president of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers. Throughout his years at the national union, McElroy led efforts to strengthen financial accountability requirements and was instrumental in AFT initiatives to harness technology to support, inform and mobilize union members.
McElroy currently serves on the board of directors of Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good, Education International, ThanksUSA and the National Endowment for Democracy.
A graduate of Providence College, McElroy resides in Washington, D.C. and is married to Edwina B. Ricci. McElroy and his wife have four children- Kathy, Mary, Steven and Elizabeth and four grandchildren- Kyle, Evan, Chloe and the late Noah Jordan.
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