The toxic pollution harming the health of communities downstream is often also poisoning the workers in the plants. Frequently, the corporation that refuses to negotiate with labor for fair wages also disregards its impact on the local air and water. And the legislator who respects workers is more likely to also respect the importance of the environment.

Labor unions and environmental groups have much in common. By working together, PIRGIM believes, we can hold companies accountable for their impact on working people, communities and the environment.

That's just what labor unions and environmental groups have begun to do here in Michigan. Environmental groups, including PIRGIM, the National Wildlife Federation, the Ecology Center and MEC, have been meeting with labor unions, including the Metro-Detroit AFL-CIO, the United Steelworkers of American and PACE International Union, to identify opportunities to work together in ways that benefit all of us. The opportunities include stopping the national energy bill that gives away billions to polluting companies while hurting both consumers and the environment; promoting fair and equitable public transportation; or working with Governor Granholm to maintain environmental and worker protections while promoting manufacturing in Michigan.

Are you an environmentalist who is also a member of a labor union? For more information or to support these efforts, contact Megan Owens of PIRGIM at Mowens@pirgim.org or (734) 662-6597.