Category: Magazine

For press inquiries, please reach out to Communications Director Erin Bzymek at ebzymek@uwua.net or 202-702-9655.

What specific actions or initiatives has your local taken to build and sustain a strong safety culture among its members, and how do you involve both new and seasoned workers in that process?

David James, Local 223 “I’m a substation operator by trade, which often places me in very dangerous situations. With proper training and adherence to our safety policies, I’m able to perform my work without incident. One of the greatest strengths of my local’s contract is itslanguage establishing safety committees. This structure ensures that our entire workforce…

Labor Under Fire: Project 2025 Unfolding

In my two most recent columns for The Utility Worker, I wrote about Project 2025 — first, raising concerns about how a second Trump term might pursue its objectives, and second, examining President Trump’s initial executive orders and their connection to the plan. Both columns received strong — but varied — responses. Some members expressed…

Q&A with Darryl Taylor, Human Rights Committee Chair

In June 2024, the UWUA Executive Board appointed Darryl Taylor as chair of the union’s Human Rights Committee, succeeding Nathan Waters upon his retirement. In an interview with The Utility Worker, Taylor shared his journey, vision, and plans for the committee’s future.   Q: Tell us about your career journey and how it has prepared…

Local 393 Secures Comprehensive Fall Protection Training at SCWA

In December, five members of Local 393 at the Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) participated in the first of five planned sessions of “Fall Protection Competent Person” training. SCWA partnered with safety equipment manufacturer 3M to deliver this specialized 16-hour course. A second group completed training in February, and three additional sessions are scheduled for…

DOL Updates Guidance on Electronic Voting for Union Elections

On December 9, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) issued updated guidance on the use of remote electronic voting systems in union officer elections. This guidance, available on the DOL’s website, is designed to help unions comply with the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA). The document highlights key considerations…

The Impact of Project 2025 on Organized Labor

The Impact of Project 2025 on Organized Labor In the July-August-September issue of The Utility Worker, my column addressed concerns about the potential effects of a second Trump administration following the policy framework outlined in Project 2025, particularly as it relates to organized labor. Project 2025, a comprehensive policy agenda developed by conservative think tanks,…

How It’s Done – Spotlight On Public Works

Public works professionals perform diverse and essential tasks that often go unnoticed but are vital to maintaining our quality of life. The following firsthand accounts from UWUA members offer a glimpse into the diverse responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of working in public works across various municipalities. From managing intricate water and sewer systems to clearing…