The purpose of forming the CAW Durham Regional Environmental Council is to unite the CAW locals of Durham County and surrounding area into one collective voice regarding environmental issues in both our community and in our workplaces. By drawing on our diverse experience and knowledge, our main objective is to integrate the environmental movement socially, economically and politically. Additionally, we will encourage vital and effective participation with all levels of environmental decision-making. Through education, political action, and community involvement we will strive to protect enhance and restore the quality of our environment.

• By encouraging networking with other unions, environmentalists, social justice coalitions, Health & Safety representatives and Durham District Labour Councils.

• By assisting other unions in setting up Local and Joint Environment Committees.

• By actively participating in educational programs in our schools, community and work places.

• By pressuring Municipal and Regional Governments through lobbying and creating an Environmental Emergency Action Plan.

• By providing an effective program for promoting the CAW principles and social/ environmental justice polices and an avenue through which to deal with these locally.

• By actively encouraging the formation of and/or the involvement of coalitions based on principals of social and environmental justice.

• By contributing to the formation of viable transitional programs for workers in regards to any job loss due to environmental, technological or economic changes.

• By contributing to the formation of a Labour Research and Development Centre dealing with environmental labour sustainability to ensure job security and a safe, healthy community.