"Clearly, outsourcing is a huge problem challenging every UWUA local union," said Local 1-2 President Harry Farrell. "This is not a new problem, as outsourcing has been around for years. However, this is the first time that National and local leaders have sat down as a team to examine the problem."

Another highlight from the first day was a presentation by Carl Wood, former Local 246 Business Manager and a former Commissioner of the California Public Utilities Commission. Wood addressed the strategic value of utility workers becoming legitimate spokespeople in regulatory proceedings which impact our jobs.

The conference's second day was devoted to small group discussions on a range of issues, including outsourcing, protecting jobs and building strength and unity in the UWUA. Feedback from workshop participants was uniformly positive. Many spoke with determination about the need to continue the process of input and design until we have developed and implemented a workable strategic plan for our future. One consistent reaction was sincere appreciation that we were coming together as a Union to identify our challenges and find solutions beneficial to all.

"I started to think in different ways about how we can build our union and fight outsourcing," said Local 584 President Darin McClain. "However, the best thing about the conference for me was the opportunity to spend a couple days just getting together with National President Langford and other National Officers and staff to talk openly about how to improve our Union. I think that was a first for all of us." During his concluding remarks, President Langford thanked local union leaders for adding their voices and experiences to this important conversation.

"We have a lot of work to do to move this Union forward, and this conference is an important first step," he said. "We will work together to make the years to come ones of growth and strength for the Utility Workers Union."