New Program Incorporates Union Basics Into IT Training

Surveys show that half of nonunion workers would join a union if they could. A new program developed by CWA will help IT workers in one of the fastest-growing sectors of our economy understand how they can make that dream a reality.

CWA members will provide workers’ rights training as part of “Clean IT,” a new program designed to equip workers with the skills needed for IT careers in the renewable energy sector. Our union has partnered with the Urban Institute, Per Scholas, and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council to launch the innovative program, which is primarily funded by the U.S. Department of Labor through the Biden Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act.

“The variety of employment opportunities across both tech and energy industries means we need to prepare workers to navigate these fields,” said CWA Director of Research Nell Geiser. “With technology companies using more and more energy, there is a growing overlap between tech and energy production. As workers move from one industry to another, they will need to understand their rights, which aren’t necessarily explained at hire.”

CWA members will teach modules on labor history, workers’ legal rights, union basics, and present case study reviews of workers’ rights in action. CWA will also serve as the subject matter expert on worker rights and inform program design to maximize the job quality outcomes for participants.

The program aims to reach people previously excluded from the IT industry, including people of color, women, rural residents, and individuals without college degrees. It is also focused on particular geographies, which are currently Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, and rural areas in North Carolina.

Click here to learn more about the Clean IT program.

 
CWA Director of Research Nell Geiser explained CWA’s role in the Clean IT program during a webinar earlier this week.