After nearly a year of intense negotiations, three UWUA locals (132, 483, and 522) and three locals of the International Chemical Workers Union Council (ICWUC), UFCW, ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement with Southern California Gas Company on March 31, 2025. The hard-won deal, set to expire on September 30, 2028, delivers significant wage…
The UWUA proudly welcomes Michigan-based Vestas wind technicians as the first unionized Vestas workforce in North America, following a successful election in early March. This 11-member group, responsible for operating and maintaining 128 turbines — including major component replacements — voted overwhelmingly to join the UWUA. Their decision was driven by a desire to address…
After 29 years of dedicated service to the UWUA, Bob Houser officially retired in April. Most of his tenure was spent as the union’s organizing director, where his leadership left a lasting legacy. Houser’s journey began straight out of high school, working as a certified welder for a natural gas contractor. He quickly became involved…
In April, Chris Ericksen assumed leadership of the UWUA’s National Veterans Committee, bringing with him more than two decades of union experience and a deep commitment to veterans’ advocacy. A Clevelander and 24-year member of UWUA Local 270, Ericksen currently serves as the local’s president — a position he has held for the past four…
Thomas A. Verba’s career is a testament to commitment, hard work, and union pride. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Verba joined the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Co. (CEI) in February 1952, just months after graduating high school. He began as a groundman and proudly became a member of UWUA Local 270. Recently, Verba wrote a…
In a continued push to grow membership and extend the benefits of union representation to non-union utility workers, the UWUA recently welcomed two new organizers to the National staff. These additions represent a significant step forward in the union’s commitment to building worker power across the utility sector. Working under the leadership of National Organizing…
On May 13–14, for the first time ever, the Utility Workers Union of America held a Leadership Conference, hosted in Washington, DC. Over 70 leaders from 30 different locals came together for two full days of learning, sharing, and growth. It was a powerful moment — not born of tradition, but of necessity. You told…
The UWUA wishes all our retirees health and happiness during your “golden years.” Enjoy it — you’ve earned it! Local 1-2 Alonzetta Abraham Juan Adames Makanju Adedapo Samuel Adedapo Darryl Askew Mynor Balcarcez Steven Brinkman Melvin Charlie Eric Chavarria Saun Chou James Coppinger Camille Crawford Joseph Derosa Michael Ducasse Paul Dunbar Eric Ellersen Robert Eustace…
The budget reconciliation bill that Congress will be voting on is terrible in so many different ways, but it is especially harmful to working-class people. Worse still, the legislation would be disastrous for current and future UWUA members in countless ways. As members of the labor movement, we hold access to good health insurance coverage…
1. Nonmembers’ Right to Object. Any employee who is not a member of the UWUA, and who pays fees to the UWUA and/or a Local Union pursuant to a collectively bargained union-security provision, will have the right to object to expenditures paid for activities which are not reasonably related to collective bargaining. Such activities are…
Too often, we put our faith in candidates who pledge to support working people — only to be disappointed once they’re elected. Promises fade, priorities shift, and our interests are left behind. It’s time to shift our approach. Instead of waiting for change, why not be the change? Local governments make decisions that impact our…
In the first part of 2025, the committee’s focus has been on establishing our priorities for the near future. We’ve identified two areas of immediate need. Legislative Agenda. The UWUA Veterans Committee, as with all veteran organizations, must have a legislative agenda. The current state of federal veterans’ programs demands it. Craig Romanovich will spearhead…
Like many other unions, our members come from diverse backgrounds. In my own local, which has a dedicated membership of around 135 people in Western Pennsylvania, we believe in the power of our collective voice. Our members must feel the impact of our local policies, especially those that safeguard and promote workers’ rights. This commitment…
The recent decision by the Trump administration to implement sweeping layoffs at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) presents a serious threat to the safety and well-being of utility workers nationwide. NIOSH, a key agency within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has long been a cornerstone in advancing occupational…
For over a century, wastewater treatment has played a vital role in industrialized society — protecting public health, preserving natural ecosystems, and ensuring the safe disposal of human waste. Today, approximately 83% of U.S. households rely on public sewer systems, making the work of treatment facilities more crucial than ever. If your home is connected…
Kenneth James Stefan of Fairgrove, MI, passed away on February 22, 2025, while on duty — an enduring testament to the dedication he brought to his 38-year career with DTE Energy. A proud member Local 223, he was a respected Primary Service Representative known for his technical expertise, mentorship, and steadfast support of his team.…
After standing united against a proposed reduction in disability benefits, 58 UWUA members across northeast Ohio secured a four-year contract with Aqua Ohio that delivers a 13% wage increase and enhanced benefits. The agreement, ratified in late March just prior to the April 1 deadline, covers workers across Locals 425, 427, and 428. Key contract…
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…
The UWUA is setting a new standard for workplace safety by empowering its locals with the tools, training, and contract language needed to take a proactive role in safety advocacy. Whether it’s developing standout local programs or partnering with national resources like the Power for America Training Trust (P4A), the union is placing safety at…
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…