IUE-CWA Local Showcases Economic Benefits of Green Technology and Employee Free Choice at Middle Cla

Contact:  Candice Johnson, CWA Communications, 202-434-1168 or cjohnson@cwa-union.org

St. Cloud, Minn. -- The Communications Workers of America welcomed Vice President Joe Biden to the floor of the New Flyer bus manufacturing plant here for the second meeting of the White House Task Force on Middle Class Families. New Flyer, whose employees are members of IUE-CWA, is a leader in the production of hybrid and low-emission buses and other vehicles.  

New Flyer, with a commitment to green technology, is a good example of what can be achieved by President Obama's economic stimulus program – the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act -- and a focus on creating quality green jobs.  

"New Flyer shows how investment in green technology can create thriving businesses and quality jobs," said CWA President Larry Cohen.  "New Flyer is a leader in another way, by respecting workers' rights to majority signup for choosing union representation," he said. This same choice would be restored to all workers by the Employee Free Choice Act, he added.

Since 2002, the year when New Flyer recognized the workers' decision, employment at the company has grown steadily. Now about 650 workers at the St. Cloud operation are represented by IUE-CWA Local 7304.

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The Communications Workers of America represents 700,000 workers in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. It's one of America's fastest growing unions. CWA members work in communications, media, airlines, manufacturing and public service.