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

The Essential Role of Unions in Advocating for Workplace Safety

When it comes to creating safe workplaces, labor unions are workers’ strongest advocates. Time and again, we witness the tragic consequences of employers who prioritize expediency and cost savings over protecting the health, welfare, and very lives of their employees. This issue was starkly highlighted when Trey Michael Gray, a 20-year-old city utility worker, lost…

Local 433 Secures Wage Increases and Fairer Benefits at Alcosan

For over 60 years, UWUA has represented employees at the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (Alcosan), which provides wastewater treatment services to 900,000 residents across 83 municipalities, including Pittsburgh. In May, Local 433 concluded a year-long process for a contract renewal covering its 283 members employed at Alcosan. The contract encompasses over 100 job classifications across…

Key Filing Compliance Requirements

This article is a reminder that it is that time of year to review our year-end financial records and execute our compliance requirements. Since our 32nd Constitutional Convention in July 2023, we have experienced a vast change of local leadership due to retirements and elections. I want to take this opportunity to thank the many…

Local 1-2 Members Prepare for Renewables Work

In October New York’s governor approved three new wind farms off New York City’s shores, including one project that would shift Rise Light and Power’s (RLP) Ravenswood Generating Station to 100% renewable energy and another that will supply Con Edison’s planned Brooklyn Clean Energy Hub. Local 1-2 represents workers at both companies and has been…

Hard Won Gains for West View Water Workers

Members of Local 416 working at the West View Water Authority recently won a new five-year agreement with substantial gains. However, getting to the finish line wasn’t easy. The new contract came 14 months after the prior contract expired, after a May 2023 strike authorization, and members’ rejection of two authority-proposed agreements. “There hadn’t been…

How It’s Done: Spotlight On Water Treatment

Getting water from nature to end users is a team effort involving those who pump and treat it; those in distribution who lay and maintain the pipes that send it out to homes, fire systems, and businesses; and those who interact with customers on service and billing issues. UWUA represents members who manage every step…

Saluting Our UWUA Retirees

The UWUA wishes all our retirees health and happiness during your “golden years.” Enjoy it — you’ve earned it!   Local G-555 Charles S. Caspio Nancy A. Crimaldi Samuel L. Faller Jerry T. Gowins Cathy Whittaker Jones Jeffrey A. Reiff Local 1-2 Wilbert Bascom Ralph Calise Mark Edwards Daniel Gilroy Robert King Tahir Lyle Easton…

SAFETY CORNER: USMWF – An Advocate for Workers and Families

As a recent addition to the board of United Support and Memorial for Workplace Fatalities (USMWF), I find myself reflecting on the crucial role this organization plays in the lives of those who have tragically lost loved ones due to workplace incidents. The reality is stark: when a workplace fatality occurs, the usual investigative process…

Introducing: How It’s Done

As utility workers, we often proudly declare ourselves as the stewards of essential utility services — ensuring everyone has the basics needed to move through life. It’s a source of profound pride, a badge of honor we wear as we navigate the complexity of our daily tasks on the job. But amidst this pride, do…