For press inquiries, please reach out to Communications Director Erin Bzymek at ebzymek@uwua.net or 202-702-9655.
An interview with Howard University Political Science major Anyea Fields — my great niece — makes clear why the labor movement must strengthen its presence on college campuses. As unions look to the future, student organizers like Anyea represent the next generation of labor leadership — rooted in lived experience, collective action, and a commitment…
Two UWUA Local 164 members were recently awarded the Carnegie Medal for Heroism, one of North America’s highest civilian honors, for their courageous actions in saving a co-worker’s life during a workplace emergency. The incident occurred in September 2024 at a Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County worksite in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, where a crew was…
Stepping up to speak for other young workers has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my union journey so far. I serve as the Region 1 representative on the UWUA Young Workers Initiative Committee, and I recently had the opportunity to sit down with the leadership of Local 1-2 to help relaunch our…
On March 20, 1958, workers at the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority—known today as ALCOSAN—voted unanimously to unionize, forming UWUA Local 433 and securing a voice on the job that would shape generations of utility workers in western Pennsylvania. Among those casting a “yes” vote was Bernie Mackowiak, then 28 years old and just eight years…
LaTrease Williams, Local 601 It means having a collective voice and knowing that none of us stands alone at work. Union membership brings dignity on the job, fair wages, safe working conditions, and the ability to speak up without fear. It’s about solidarity — understanding that when we look out for one another, we grow stronger, more respected, and better able…
One of the most common frustrations I hear from UWUA members is this: OSHA rules may look clear on paper, yet workers and management still argue about what they mean on the job. When real-world conditions don’t fit neatly into regulatory language, confusion — and conflict — follow. That’s where OSHA Letters of Interpretation (LOIs) come in. They…
One of the most important things we can do as union members is stay engaged — not just at work, not just in our locals, but in our communities and our political systems. Too often, members think politics is something distant or out of reach. It’s not. And the story of Mike Molisse from UWUA…
Through a series of social, recreational, and community-focused events, Local 18007 is building stronger connections among members while breaking down barriers to participation — particularly for a younger workforce. Business Manager Sean Gaurige said the goal is to move past the idea that union involvement begins and ends with meetings. “We’ve got a younger membership coming in,…
When Mike Molisse talks about public service, he doesn’t separate his years in utility work from his years in government. To him, they’re part of the same path. “I always felt utility work is public service,” Molisse says. “You’re out there in the neighborhoods every day, in front of people’s homes, dealing with real concerns in real time. That gives you a strong sense of responsibility to the…
The UWUA and its local unions are increasingly treating artificial intelligence (AI) as a practical tool for representation — not a futuristic add-on. Across grievance handling, arbitration preparation, and contract administration, the goal is straightforward: get stewards and staff to the right facts faster, reduce administrative busywork, and improve consistency in how cases are tracked…