The Northern Pipeline Construction Company Employees in Alabama are the most recent group to become UWUA members in a southern state. Now a part of Local 609, the group was organized through what is called a "neutrality agreement" between the union and the employer. Under such agreements, employers agree to recognize a union as the bargaining agent of their employees when more than half have signed union cards. The UWUA also represents the Northern Pipeline employees in Connecticut. The workers construct natural gas pipelines.  Local 609 is now in the process of electing officers.