The 2024 Inter-Union Gas Workers Conference (IUGC) gathered over 500 union members in Orlando, Florida, from September 30 to October 3. The conference is held annually, with hosting duties rotating among the six IUGC national and international unions: the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA); International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW); International Chemical Workers Union Council (ICWUC); United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA); United Steelworkers (USW); and Canada’s UNIFOR.
With the theme “Protecting Gas Workers’ Mental Health and Wellness,” this year’s conference focused on the increasing concerns surrounding workplace stress and mental health challenges in the utility sector.
UWUA Leadership and Participation
As this year’s host, the UWUA demonstrated strong engagement, with nearly 100 delegates from 24 locals attending. Key UWUA contributions included:
• Conference coordination by Senior National Representative Jim Gennett;
- Welcome address by National Secretary-Treasurer Mike Coleman;
- Trench Preparedness presentation by Local 254 members Brian Carbary and Brandon Martyniuk;
- Political challenges panel led by UWUA Director of Government Affairs Lee Anderson;
- UWUA experts hosted clerical and safety workshops.
Focus on Mental Health
Licensed therapist Joyce Marter delivered an impactful keynote address, presenting concerning statistics showing that 27% of adults experience debilitating stress. Her talk examined the stigma surrounding mental health in the workplace and outlined the consequences of untreated behavioral health issues, including reduced productivity, low team morale, higher absenteeism and turnover, and an increased risk of workplace accidents. Marter highlighted the specific stressors that utility workers face, such as call center employees managing difficult customer interactions and gas distribution workers handling potentially traumatic incidents like gas explosions.
Marter offered practical advice for employees seeking mental health support, detailing the benefits of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and mental health coverage through insurance. She encouraged attendees to act as mental health advocates in their workplaces and communities, helping to promote available support services and educating others on recognizing signs of mental health issues and substance abuse.
Cross-Union Knowledge Sharing
The conference featured several collaborative workshops fostering inter-union cooperation. Brooke Lauber from the Michigan State Utility Workers Council and Melissa Suarez from Local 129 co-led the clerical workshop with Karen Wulff from UNIFOR. UWUA’s National Safety Director Scotty MacNeill joined UNIFOR’s Ryan Rodrigues and USW’s Steph Gonsalves to conduct the safety workshop, emphasizing the importance of cross-organizational knowledge sharing.