< Previous | Contents | Next >
The Tennessee Valley Authority & Clean Energy
When the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) shut down two coal fired power plants and announced plans to decommission the remaining four, IAM members, who have worked for the TVA for generations, might have feared for their jobs. But rather than spurring layoffs, the TVA’s clean energy transition has doubled IAM membership at the authority. Keith McFarland, District 1888 Business Representative, credits this job creation to the positive relationship that the union has forged with the TVA through enacting a mutually agreed upon Code of Excellence. Many issues are now resolved on the shop floor, freeing up IAM and TVA leadership to focus on systemic staffing solutions as the Authority’s energy portfolio changes.281
274 U.S. Department of Energy, “Inflation Reduction Act Keeps Momentum Building for Nuclear Power.”
275 The Stand, “Climate Jobs Washington Hails Legislative Wins.”
278 Liuo, Joanne, “What Are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)?”
Through this partnership, the TVA has reduced outsourcing, created a regional maintenance program, and created a homeward bound initiative to help workers impacted by closures find work closer to home. The union is ensuring that members share in the benefits of the transition to clean energy, including nuclear, solar, and hydroelectric. Additionally, the union has partnered with local community colleges and created an employer-funded apprenticeship program. Accessible apprenticeships are creating a pipeline for the next generation of workers at the TVA. As the largest public power company in the United States, the TVA’s transition to a clean energy future can help grow high-quality jobs and provide reliable power to residents.
END PULL-OUT BOX