Ben Jealous Takes Leave From Sierra Club Following Union Criticism

Ben Jealous, the executive director of the Sierra Club and former Maryland gubernatorial candidate, has been placed on leave from his position at the environmental advocacy group. This development follows significant criticism from the Progressive Workers Union, which represents the organization's employees, regarding Jealous' management style and decisions, including multiple rounds of layoffs and other labor disputes. The union has expressed concerns that these actions have destabilized the nonprofit during a critical period of environmental deregulation under the Trump administration.

Jonathon Berman, a spokesperson for the Sierra Club, confirmed Jealous' leave but refrained from providing further details, stating it was a 'personnel matter.' The reasons behind Jealous' leave and its duration remain unclear. In the interim, Loren Blackford, a veteran of the Sierra Club, has been appointed as acting executive director.

The Progressive Workers Union, led by president Erica Dodt, has publicly criticized Jealous for expanding the executive team's size and salaries while laying off staff deemed essential to the Sierra Club's mission. Dodt's comments highlight the ongoing tensions between the union and Jealous' leadership, underscoring the challenges facing the organization as it navigates internal strife and external pressures.