As the UWUA marks the 80th anniversary of its first constitutional convention, The Utility Worker invited members of the National Executive Board to reflect on the union’s future and the opportunities ahead. We asked them to consider how the values that built the UWUA over the past eight decades can continue to strengthen our union, grow our membership, and prepare the next generation of utility workers. The reflections below are part of an ongoing series that will continue throughout 2026.
Craig Pinkham, National Vice President
“As we mark our 80th anniversary, the opportunity ahead is ensuring the next generation of utility workers is prepared for a rapidly changing industry while preserving the core values that built this union. Our history shows that strong training, solidarity, and collective bargaining are what allow workers to adapt to new technology, evolving energy systems, and a changing workforce. By leaning into those lessons, we can strengthen our membership, protect good union jobs, and ensure workers continue to have a voice as the industry transforms. The same principles that carried us through the past 80 years will guide us through the next.”
Steve Kowolonek, Local 600
“Our 80th anniversary highlights both our momentum and our opportunity. Organizing wins in right-to-work states show that workers still recognize the value of collective strength. We must keep expanding our reach while honoring our long tradition of strong representation and member support.”
Frank Dominguez, Local 1-2
“The next generation of electrification creates a major opportunity for our union to expand jurisdiction and reclaim ground lost in earlier industry shifts. The lesson from our history is clear: standing still sets us back. At the same time, we must stay rooted in what we do best — representing utility workers with unmatched expertise and commitment.”
Allan Bathon, Local 335
“As a 41-year member in the water and wastewater industry, I’ve seen that sector become a growing part of the UWUA’s strategy. The opportunities for organizing — whether units of five or 500 — are real and expanding. We have strong training, experience, and resources to offer future members, and we need to stay focused on organizing across water and wastewater along with all utility sectors.”
Tom Cole, MSUWC
“I see growing opportunity in non-union sectors as pay disparities and gaps in worker protections widen — similar to conditions before the labor movement’s major gains in the 1950s. That creates some of the strongest organizing potential we’ve seen in decades. With coordinated leadership at the local, state, and national levels, we have a real chance to expand union membership and strengthen worker protections across the industry.”