Burlington, Vt., June 2, 2022 – Today, Vermont Green Football Club announced a partnership with the Vermont State Labor Council, AFL-CIO to support each other’s work in the community. This partnership affirms the relationship between the club and organizations that promote social and economic justice.
Vermont Green FC is embarking on an ambitious mission to build a club that embeds environmental justice in its competitive strategy, operational processes, and culture. The Club believes soccer can be a powerful catalyst for a more environmentally sustainable and socially just world. Social and economic justice, of which the labor movement has long been a leader, are at the very core of environmental justice.
“We’re thrilled to build a partnership between VT AFL-CIO and Vermont Green FC. VT AFL-CIO is dedicated to representing the interests of working people at the state and local levels. This has a natural intersection with Vermont Green’s focus on environmental justice!” said Liz Medina, Vermont AFL-CIO executive director.
Connor Tobin, General Manager of Vermont Green FC, was on the Organizing and Bargaining Committees for the formation of the United Soccer Leagues Player Association (USLPA). The USLPA (Communications Workers of America Local 7211) is the collective bargaining representative for all USL Championship and USL League One Players who are signed to a standard USL agreement.
“The roots of the sport of soccer are in working-class culture. Being able to engrain that connection in the fabric of Vermont Green FC is extremely exciting as VT AFL-CIO has over 10,000 members and is a major force within the Labor Movement here in Vermont. We look forward to working together to promote economic, social, and environmental justice.” said Connor Tobin.
Vermont Green FC will host a Labor Night on July 13th at Virtue Field to celebrate the solidarity between the club and the labor movement.