A group of six biomass plant operators at DTE Vantage has made history as the first within the company to join the UWUA. DTE, with electric, gas, and biomass divisions, has long been a leader in renewable energy projects, and this small team at the Riverview Energy Systems in Riverview, Michigan, is setting a new precedent.
Scott Bruck, who helped lead the organizing effort, explained that the group connected with UWUA Local 223 earlier this year through a friend in DTE Energy’s electric division. “We’re excited to finally have a voice in the workplace,” he said. The six operators are part of a nine-person crew that captures methane from an adjacent landfill, cleans it, and either sells it as pipeline-quality natural gas or uses it to generate electricity at two on-site gas-powered turbines for sale to DTE Energy.
An NLRB election held at the end of May resulted in a unanimous vote for UWUA representation. The members are now preparing to bargain their first contract. Local 223 President Juanita Ray notes, “With this organizing win, we’ve opened the door to other prospective members.” DTE Vantage operates 63 energy projects across 16 states and one Canadian province.