Public Employee Press

Labor-green alliance taps Forster

Historically, unions have often been at odds with environmentalists as they worry that environmental regulations will interfere with creating jobs.

Jon Forster, 1st vice president of Local 375, doesn’t buy into that traditional viewpoint. He believes that unions and environmentalists ultimately have common ground. He supports environmental justice for communities adversely affected by unfair energy policies and pollutions“Labor should take the lead in pressing for a ‘green’ agenda and for creating ‘green jobs,’ ” Forster said.

The NYC Apollo Alliance — part of a national movement that links job creation, environmentalism and energy independence — recently named Forster to its steering committee. The Apollo Alliance is supported by Urban Agenda — a public policy, research and advocacy organization dedicated to a more diverse labor movement and progressive economic policies — and by the New York City AFL-CIO Central Labor Council.

Through Apollo, Forster looks forward to promoting workers’ interests as the city implements its ambitious plaNYC. Mayor Michael Bloomberg established the plan to promote environmental friendly policies in the city through 2030.

“PlaNYC could create thousands of jobs,” Forster said. “Labor needs to push for these to be union jobs that pay a living wage.”

The plan calls for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent, creating homes for 1 million more New Yorkers, planting 11 million trees, developing parks and playgrounds and promoting public transportation.