From the Executive Director's Desk
The raging fires in California are yet another reminder of the scary reality of climate change. I was encouraged to see the AFL-CIO formally adopt a statement on climate for the first time last month. We certainly agree that, "the United States Congress should enact comprehensive energy and climate legislation that creates good jobs and addresses the threat of climate change." However, in the absence of federal leadership, we continue to think about state-based approaches to this urgent public health crisis. If you agree that we must act, please consider signing the Jersey Renews petition!
Thank you again to everyone that attended, sponsored and otherwise supported our annual WEC Awards Dinner last week. It was a great event, and we look forward to more great things from our honorees, particularly the two Rising Star Award recipients. For pictures from the event, please see our Facebook page.
In Solidarity,
 
P.S.
This is the last edition of WEConnect for the year. As you make your end-of-year giving decisions, please consider donating to WEC. |
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WEC Member Meeting
WEC's annual membership meeting is this Monday, December 11. FREE for members. There is about to be a change in leadership in Trenton, but what can we expect for workers and the environment?
Enjoy a complimentary lunch and participate in a discussion about the future of New Jersey, including remarks by:
- Jerell Blakeley, Work Environment Council
- Adam Liebtag, CWA Local 1036
- Analilia Mejia, NJ Working Families Alliance
- Jeff Tittel, NJ Sierra Club
Please join us!
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Rail Bridge Report
WEC released Who Tracks the Railroads? The Case for Transparency on Rail Bridges, a whitepaper documenting the need for rail companies to release basic information on the safety of our freight bridges. Freight rail bridges, some more than 100 years old, cross over waterways such as the Passaic, Delaware and Manasquan Rivers, as well as sensitive environmental areas like the Oradell Reservoir. Yet, despite repeated calls for transparency on rail bridge infrastructure from federal agencies and the public, the rail companies refuse to release safety and inspection reports.
Who Tracks the Railroads outlines steps our elected officials can take to protect our lives, jobs, health and our environment.
Read the report on WEC's website.
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Public Need Over Corporate Greed Training
Public education is under attack, including at higher education institutions; at Rutgers University, tuition is increasing, our professors and campus workers are paid less, and top administrators seem to be the only ones benefiting.
Join WEC, Rutgers United Students Against Sweatshops, and other partners on Saturday, December 16, 2017 to engage in a discussion on economics, financialization, and how financial institutions rob Rutgers University of vital resources – resources which could be better used to maintain/reduce tuition, invest in educational resources, and increase wages and pay for campus workers and faculty. This event is free, but please register to attend.
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