For press inquiries, please reach out to Communications Director Erin Bzymek at ebzymek@uwua.net or 202-702-9655.
UMAP – Veterans Training Program Celebrates 500th Graduate! The UWUA’s Utility Workers Military Assistance Program (UMAP) recently hosted a celebration at the Pritzker Military Library and Museum to honor the 500th veteran to graduate from the Gas Utility Workers Training Program. The UWUA established UMAP in Chicago with Local 18007, the UWUA Power for America…
Staff Changes The UWUA’s National Officers are pleased to introduce Erin Bzymek, the union’s new communications director. Bzymek brings over a decade of experience advocating for working families spanning progressive political campaigns, several stints working on Capitol Hill, and work in the non-profit sector. “Erin steps into this role at an exciting time for the…
Local 223 Safety Director Todd Burger Champions Injury Prevention, Member Safety According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 3.5 million people suffered work-related injuries and 5,147 lost their lives on the job in 2017. That means on average, 14 individuals per day go to work and don’t return home to their families. While the…
John Poroda, Secretary-Treasurer, Local 102 – “The reason I feel strongly about the mission statement is because of the aging workforce that we have. It’s time we got the young people involved so they can see what’s important, what’s good about the union.” Chauffe Schirmer, Financial Secretary, Local 127 – “If you think about all…
After over two years of negotiations, UWUA Local 604 members in Lakeland, FL have a new three-year contract. It’s proof that Utility Workers never give up! Retroactive to 2017, when the last contract expired, the new agreement includes annual and merit-based raises and, very importantly, it dramatically cuts the time it takes for a union…
Organizing Victories Mount in Water Utilities The UWUA Organizing Department is successfully expanding its efforts to bring new members into the ranks of the UWUA through organizing campaigns, neutrality/card check agreements, internal organizing drives, and other innovative campaign strategies. Water and wastewater workers are proving to be an important area of growth for the union.…
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – D. Michael Langford Passing the torch! This is my last column as the UWUA president. At our July convention I will retire and new leadership will be elected to lead our great union forward. I’m retiring knowing that we have built a strong foundation for future generations of utility workers and developed…
2019 Strong! This will be a monumental year for the UWUA and our members. As we enter the midpoint of our eighth decade, never before has the UWUA participated in so many different areas where decisions affecting the work lives of our members are made. In order to ensure our nation succeeds in an ever-more…
SALUTING OUR UWUA RETIREES The UWUA wishes all our retirees health and happiness during your “golden years.” Enjoy it —you’ve earned it!
In November 2016, Donald J. Trump was elected as the 45th President of the United States. In his campaign, Trump claimed that he was on the side of America’s workers. Sadly, halfway through Trump’s first term, the President has repeatedly and relentlessly attacked American workers and their Unions. Decisions of right-wing judges will last for…