WASHINGTON, DC (MARCH 6, 2025) – Michigan-based wind technicians who perform operations and maintenance on Vestas wind turbines overwhelmingly voted to unionize and become members of the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA), AFL-CIO. The election represents a historic victory for the group, the first Vestas wind technicians in North America to unionize.
“These workers took a remarkable step forward to take back their power,” said UWUA President James Slevin. “They were up against a strong anti-union campaign. The company pulled all the usual stunts to try to get them to vote against this union campaign. We welcome these Vestas wind techs to our membership and we look forward to addressing their key concerns when we sit down to negotiate their first contract.”
The group contacted UWUA to address concerns about working conditions, work/life balance, and safety culture. Members cited instances of working on holidays but not getting paid holiday rates or having an 8-hour workday frequently turn into a 16-hour workday, for example. Safety and training will also be a big issue for the group’s first contract negotiation. The individuals who operate and maintain the turbines are frequently in contact with high voltage systems.
“This is a big win for this group,” said Deirdre Brill, UWUA Organizing Director. “More and more people working in renewable energy are realizing how helpful a union can be in achieving better, safer working conditions.”
The 11-member group voted 9-1 in favor of organizing. The group will become members of UWUA Local 223 which also represents wind techs at DTE in Michigan. Workers perform operations and maintenance on 128 turbines, including major component replacements.
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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.