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Washington, D.C. – Executive Director Ben Jealous has gone on leave following nearly three years of tumult and unprecedented labor management conflicts. In the last 12 months, managers, Chapters, volunteers and union-represented staff voted in no confidence in Jealous’ leadership, calling on the Sierra Club Board of Directors to take action to confront allegations of poor leadership performance and union busting.
Statement from Erica Dodt, President of the Progressive Workers Union:
“When facing budget challenges, we have been told and believe that Jealous’ executive team increased its size and salaries all while laying off staff critical to Sierra Club’s success. We believe some of these actions have violated our collective bargaining agreement and labor law. Union busting tactics and increased pay inequity are detrimental in the progressive movement. PWU is ready to cultivate trust and improve morale as we move forward with ongoing negotiations over layoffs, budget cuts, and pay equity.”
Statement from Mercedes Macias PWU National Delegate to the Steering Committee and member of the the Black, Indigenous and People of Color Caucus:
“We’ve also heard the rumors about what this leave of absence means and we’re excited for accountability—not just with the Executive Director but across the organization and the Board of Directors. We’re looking forward to getting back to the important work of the Sierra Club: mitigating climate change disaster and protecting democracy. Whatever accountability processes take place over the coming weeks should be rooted in the Jemez principles and we welcome collaboration.”
Statement from Dylan Plummer, Unit Representative of the Sierra Club Unit of Progressive Workers Union:
“We look forward to working with managers and the Sierra Club Board of Directors to right the ship, and to rebuild trust between the union, non-represented staff, and volunteers. We work for one of the most influential grassroots environmental organizations in the country, and our PWU members are beyond excited to return our focus on the mission-critical work to support the organization and movement we call care deeply about.”