In a continued push to grow membership and extend the benefits of union representation to non-union utility workers, the UWUA recently welcomed two new organizers to the National staff. These additions represent a significant step forward in the union’s commitment to building worker power across the utility sector.
Working under the leadership of National Organizing Director Deirdre Brill, both new organizers bring passion, experience, and a deep commitment to the labor movement.
J.J. Popio began his utility career 19 years ago as a meter reader straight out of high school. A proud member of Local G-555 since day one, Popio reflects on the value of union membership with deep gratitude. “I was in the union from the moment I began my career, and my rights in the workplace were built and fought for decades before my time. I feel very fortunate for that,” he said. Most recently, he served as an executive officer for Local G-555 and as a board member of the AFL-CIO’s Tri-County Regional Labor Council. Motivated by a desire to extend those same rights to others, he sees organizing as a way to level the playing field: “There are so many people in this country who don’t have the protections I do, and that’s what motivates me.”
Melissa Harter joins the team from West Virginia and is a longtime member of Local 478 in Ohio. With 17 years of experience at a coal-fired power plant — most recently as a senior performance and industrial hygienist — Harter also served as chief shop steward and secretary of her local. Her enthusiasm for organizing stems from the strong sense of fairness and community she found within the UWUA. “I’m excited to spread the word about what UWUA offers. Every worker deserves a voice at the table,” she said.
“Organizing is our number one priority today,” said UWUA President James Slevin. “We’re excited for Melissa and J.J. to hit the ground running. With this expanded capacity, we can help even more people experience better working conditions and better pay that come with being a member of the UWUA.”