Ben Jealous Takes Leave From Sierra Club Following Union Disputes

Ben Jealous, the executive director of the Sierra Club and a former Maryland gubernatorial candidate, has been placed on leave from his position at the national environmental advocacy group. This development follows a period of significant internal conflict, particularly with the Progressive Workers Union, which represents the organization's employees. The union has criticized Jealous for his management style, including several rounds of layoffs and other labor disputes, arguing that his leadership has destabilized the nonprofit during a critical time for environmental advocacy.

Jonathon Berman, a spokesperson for the Sierra Club, confirmed Jealous's leave but declined to provide further details, referring to it as a 'personnel matter.' The reasons for Jealous's leave and its duration remain unclear. In the interim, Loren Blackford, a veteran of the Sierra Club, will serve as acting executive director.

The Progressive Workers Union, led by president Erica Dodt, has been vocal in its criticism of Jealous's tenure. Dodt highlighted concerns over the expansion of the executive team and increases in salaries amidst layoffs of staff deemed essential to the Sierra Club's mission. These developments occur against the backdrop of the Trump administration's rollback of environmental regulations and targeting of clean-energy projects, raising questions about the Sierra Club's direction and stability during a pivotal moment for environmental policy.