WASHINGTON, DC (DECEMBER 5, 2023) – Workers who operate and maintain a 265-megawatt Rumford, Maine combined cycle natural gas power plant recently voted to unionize and become the newest members of the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA), AFL-CIO. The group had some concerns about working conditions and job security that led them to take collective action.
“This group of highly skilled individuals working at the Congentrix-Rumford power plant recognized the same thing as thousands of other workers across the country – life is better in the union,” said UWUA President James Slevin. “They wanted some of the same benefits as the company’s two other, unionized facilities and they now stand in a better position to fight for improved working conditions. We welcome them with open arms to the UWUA.”
The process of organizing moved quickly for this group. The first meeting with UWUA staff and the group took place in early September and the election took place November 15 and 16. The group is ready to negotiate their first contract and awaits a date on when the negotiations will be scheduled.
“This group has seen other workers within and outside of this company excel in their contracts with union representation,” said Organizing Director Deirdre Brill. “Now that they’ve taken this step, they are in a better position to sit down and negotiate with the company about some of the changes they’d like to see at the facility.”
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Chartered in 1945, the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA), AFL-CIO represents 45,000 active members employed in America’s utility sectors including the electric, gas, water, and related professional and service industries. James Slevin is UWUA’s National President. For more information visit https://uwua.net.