WASHINGTON, DC (MAY 7, 2025) – The Utility Workers Union of America (AFL-CIO) recently expanded its organizing capacity by hiring two new organizers, Melissa Harter and J.J. Popio. The two organizers will support UWUA’s efforts to bring in new members with internal and external organizing campaigns. They will work to expand membership in the utility sector, where organizing rates are low, and build on the union’s organizing successes in the renewable energy sector.
“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 comes with being a member of the UWUA.”
Melissa Harter spent over 17 years working in coal generation, including as a senior performance and industrial hygienist. She served for 11 years in Local 478’s leadership. J.J. Popio spent over 18 years a utility worker in the gas sector. Most recently, he served as an executive officer for Local G-555 and as an executive board officer for the Tri-County Regional Labor Council, AFL-CIO.
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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.