Election '08: What's Really at Stake? Green Jobs vs. No Jobs

Call it a tale of two companies: One looked to the future 10 years ago and started with just three workers making hybrid car batteries. Now 246 people work there, excited to be part of a ground-breaking venture that's paying them union-negotiated wages and benefits.

Another company, a giant, makes light bulbs and also sees green technology in its future — the compact fluorescent bulb revolution. But its bright idea is to close its American plants and ship the technology and green jobs to China.

IUE-CWA members at the companies — Cobasys, which makes hybrid batteries for three General Motors cars, and GE — told their stories this month at a Democratic Party platform hearing in Cleveland.

"After October 31, I'll be pounding the pavement looking for a new job," said Rita Bugzavich of IUE-CWA Local 84734, a shipping clerk at GE Lighting for 39 years. "I don't know what I'll find, given that four other plants recently closed in Youngstown."  

In contrast, Cobasys is adding jobs. Shawn Grimes, chief steward for IUE-CWA Local 84755, said that besides going green, Cobasys is doing well because of its skilled union workforce. Good wages and benefits and respect from above have built morale and loyalty. "We feel we have a future with this company," he said.

Grimes urged the platform committee to adopt policies that enourage more companies to follow Cobasys's lead.

"If our country invests in green technology, adopts fair trade policies, strengthens workers' ability to organize by passing the Employee Free Choice Act and passes health care reform so we can compete on a level playing field with other countries, we'll be able to revive American manufacturing," he said.