IBEW Local 300 joins ‘socially responsible’ trade group VBSR Welcomes Labor Membership

SOUTH BURLINGTON—The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 300 recently joined Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, IBEW officials said.

IBEW Local 300 represents 1,200 working Vermonters.

"The labor movement's objectives are not that different than those of socially responsible businesses, as we all have an unwavering commitment to the common good," said Local 300 Business Manager George Clain.

Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility, which has 650 members, promotes a socially conscious business ethic that encourages protecting the natural, human and economic surroundings of citizens. The organization is stationed in downtown Burlington.

"We are pleased to have our first labor organization as a member," said VBSR Executive Director Will Patten. "This membership represents the notion that the goals of labor and the goals of business do not have to run contrary to one another. In fact, we can craft a shared vision for the state and our economic development together."