For press inquiries, please reach out to Communications Director Erin Bzymek at ebzymek@uwua.net or 202-702-9655.
The release of the final rule on the Clean Power Plan (CPP) by the Environmental Protection Agency on August 3 was undoubtedly one the most impactful events to affect utility workers longterm. The CPP mandates carbon dioxide (CO2) emission reduction standards for the states and applies to all existing power plants. If not for the intervention of the UWUA at the highest levels of government before the issuance of…
With the holidays upon us, now is a good time to reflect on why we get to enjoy the benefits we have today. How is it that we are able to have paid time off to be with family and friends? What brought us paid holidays, vacations, sick days, retirement, and even weekends? Workers joining together, forming unions and…
The Region IV Conference, held in Chicago in August, was the final regional gathering of UWUA rank-and-file members and officers this year. \ From coast-to-coast, hundreds of members participated in the 2016 Regional Conferences, whose theme was “Repower Our Local Unions: Fighting Today for a Better Tomorrow.” They are now armed with the tools they…
We’ve built up a head of steam at the 30th Constitutional Convention and are moving full speed ahead. Our convention theme to “Reclaim, Retrain, Repower, and Repair America!” articulates the sentiments of our members, and the American people as a whole: the need to address the challenges working people face in our country today. In pursuit of the goals expressed in this…
The newest UWUA contract with Consumers Energy is one of the best for utility workers in the nation. The Michigan State Utility Workers Council (MSUWC), comprised of 22 of Michigan’s UWUA local unions, worked with National Executive Vice President Steve VanSlooten to negotiate with Consumers Energy and win a contract that is unprecedented in the United States. All of the local presidents had a say…
For four action packed days, utility workers convened at the 30th Constitutional Convention in July to determine the direction of the union for the next four years. The theme of this year’s historic 30th Constitutional Convention struck a chord with delegates and guest speakers. The need to Reclaim, Retrain, Repower and Repair America was echoed…
Every four years, local unions from around the country meet to chart a course for the future with the shared mission of improving the lives of utility workers. We came together this year more determined than ever to confront the attack on working people by radical right-wing politicians and their corporate sponsors. We gathered to renew the fight for what we…
Less than a year ago, with the City of Philadelphia still pursuing the sale of Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) to UIL Holdings Company, Local 686 members were fearful they would spend 2015 bargaining for a new contract against UIL and not PGW. Local 686 utilized all of its resources to combat the sale, as UIL was committed to eliminating layoff protections, pension benefits, and…
Municipal workers in Lakeland, Florida, members of Local 604, recently ratified a new 3-year contract that builds on their success in a right-to-work state. The 400 members in electric will see raises of 5%, 5%, and 4%, while the 200 water workers won 4%, 4%, and 4% over the life of the agreement. “We accomplished every goal we had and are extremely grateful for the National Union’s…
The 30th Constitutional Convention was a very successful event. We heard from numerous energetic and enlightening speakers who addressed the many issues that we face today in organized labor and in our industry. As importantly, there was enthusiastic participation by our membership at this convention. A good blend of senior experienced workers as well as eager younger workers attended the convention…