Union organizing underway at Tesla’s Buffalo solar factory

Buffalo, NY – The United Steelworkers (USW) and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) announced December 13 that workers at Tesla’s solar panel factory in Buffalo will hold a union organizing drive.

Recently, workers at the Tesla facility reached out to the USW about organizing. The USW and IBEW agreed to work with both production and maintenance employees in a joint organizing drive.

There are currently about 400 workers at Tesla’s Buffalo plant on the site of the former Republic Steel mill, where workers were represented by the USW.

“The only way we can ensure that we have a voice in the company and have equal rights across the board is with a union contract,” said Aaron Nicpon, a member of the internal organizing committee. “We want to have a voice at Tesla so that we can have a better future for ourselves and our families.”

“I wanted to work at Tesla because I wanted a job in green energy, a job that can change the world,” said Rob Walsh, another organizing committee member, “but I also want a fair wage for my work.”