Representatives from 21 UWUA water locals convened in Pittsburgh on June 6 to address key issues impacting members working in the water industry. This gathering marked the first post-COVID meeting of our union’s water locals and the first time all water locals, not just those representing members at American Water, came together to exchange insights, compare strategies, network, and bring pressing issues to the attention of fellow locals as well as National officers and staff.
Safety was a primary focus of the agenda. National Safety Committee Chair Scotty MacNeill, along with Ronnie Brooks, of Local 393 and National Safety Water Subcommittee Chair, provided crucial updates on developments affecting the water industry. Their presentation covered new regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and highlighted the UWUA’s successful efforts to extend the Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP) certification to water utilities. This achievement represents a significant advancement in upholding safety standards across the industry.
Attendees also heard from Senior National Representatives Shawn Garvey and James Gennett, who shared insights on current trends in local bargaining. They reported several key developments, including higher general wage increases, longer contract terms, and greater wage gains in
the public sector compared to the private sector. However, they also raised concerns about the increasing use of union busters in the public sector and noted that contract negotiations are taking longer to finalize than in previous years, underscoring the growing challenges in these discussions.
A roundtable discussion served as the highlight of the day, offering locals the opportunity to share developments in their areas and discuss the challenges their members face on the ground. As our union continues to navigate these complex issues, the insights and strategies shared during this meeting will be instrumental in shaping the future of water utilities and supporting the workers who keep them running.