Voorhees, N.J. Members of Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO, and other unions conducted an informational picket this morning outside the headquarters of American Water corporation to protest the company’s unfair bargaining tactics and its demands to impose major concessions on hourly employees during negotiations for a new national agreement.

During the demonstration, a delegation of UWUA members hand-delivered an official notice to corporate officials advising that the company’s latest offer for a new National Benefits Agreement had been overwhelmingly rejected by employees voting across the U.S.

“We are here to serve notice on American Water that its unfair bargaining conduct and its demands for huge takeaways from the employees who work hard every day to keep water flowing to customers’ homes and businesses are unacceptable,” stated Shawn Garvey, UWUA National Representative.

The demonstration was also joined by members of Food & Water Watch, the nation’s leading grassroots organization promoting clean, affordable, and publicly-owned drinking water.

“We are pleased to join with UWUA members to protest this hugely-profitable company’s unfair conduct toward working families,” said Jim Walsh, Eastern Region Director for Food & Water Watch. “American Water’s poor treatment of its employees does a disservice not only to those workers but also to consumers and the community at large.”

During current negotiations, American Water has demanded a 52% increase in the amounts employees would be required to pay to provide health insurance for their families, in addition to other concessions. A coalition of 18 different unions representing the company’s entire unionized workforce conducted a ratification vote during October on management’s contract offer. Ninety percent of American Water employees rejected the company’s takeaway demands.

The UWUA also pointed out that American Water has filed for massive rate increases from consumers across the nation, notwithstanding the company’s record profits and lucrative compensation packages awarded to top corporate officials.

During the first nine months of this year, American Water collected net profits of $228 million on revenues of more than $2 billion. In addition, American Water granted nearly $7.5 million in total compensation last year to only five top executives.

Rate hikes currently being sought by American Water subsidiaries include a 14% increase in New Jersey, 15% in West Virginia, 22% in Virginia, 28% in Tennessee, 35% in California, 37% in Kentucky, and a staggering wastewater increase of more than 200% in southeastern Pennsylvania. The UWUA has intervened in rate cases in New Jersey, California, West Virginia, and Tennessee challenging the company’s rate increase plans.

The Utility Workers Union of America represents working men and women in the utility and related industries throughout the U.S., including 2,500 employees of American Water in 11 states.

UWUA members are committed to promoting the highest quality and safest utility services possible. We believe that utility companies that treat the communities and customers they serve with respect, consideration, and the highest ethical and legal standards will also treat employees fairly.

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