In June 2024, the UWUA Executive Board appointed Darryl Taylor as chair of the union’s Human Rights Committee, succeeding Nathan Waters upon his retirement. In an interview with The Utility Worker, Taylor shared his journey, vision, and plans for the committee’s future. Q: Tell us about your career journey and how it has prepared…
In December, five members of Local 393 at the Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) participated in the first of five planned sessions of “Fall Protection Competent Person” training. SCWA partnered with safety equipment manufacturer 3M to deliver this specialized 16-hour course. A second group completed training in February, and three additional sessions are scheduled for…
On December 9, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) issued updated guidance on the use of remote electronic voting systems in union officer elections. This guidance, available on the DOL’s website, is designed to help unions comply with the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA). The document highlights key considerations…
The Impact of Project 2025 on Organized Labor In the July-August-September issue of The Utility Worker, my column addressed concerns about the potential effects of a second Trump administration following the policy framework outlined in Project 2025, particularly as it relates to organized labor. Project 2025, a comprehensive policy agenda developed by conservative think tanks,…
In a world marked by diversity — of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences — there exists an undeniable truth: we are stronger together. The strength of a union lies not just in its numbers, but in the solidarity and unity of its members. This is especially vital as we confront challenges, advocate for our rights, and…
Big challenges have tested members of the Utility Workers Union of America as long as we’ve been around. In recent memory, deregulation and the financialization of the utility sector in the 1980s, a global energy transition in the 2000s and, most recently, explosive growth in energy demand due to data centers have tested us, demanding…
Public works professionals perform diverse and essential tasks that often go unnoticed but are vital to maintaining our quality of life. The following firsthand accounts from UWUA members offer a glimpse into the diverse responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of working in public works across various municipalities. From managing intricate water and sewer systems to clearing…
As I travel across the country meeting with UWUA locals, one truth becomes increasingly clear: our members’ livelihoods depend on our active engagement in the political process. The ongoing energy transition discussions happening in statehouses and city councils nationwide demonstrate why local union political involvement isn’t just important — it’s essential. Take Connecticut, where Local…
As we begin a new year, it is time to review our year-end financial records and fulfill our compliance requirements. Since our 32nd Constitutional Convention in July 2023, we have witnessed significant changes in local leadership due to retirements and elections. I want to express my gratitude to those who serve as financial officers and…
An oath is a solemn promise, often sworn with a vow of truth to uphold responsibilities or commitments. The union administers an oath of initiation for new UWUA members, which includes a pledge to support the union. United States presidents take an oath of office to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United…
The legislative and economic landscape is shifting, and not in favor of the working class. The hard-fought gains we’ve achieved through collective bargaining — better wages, safer working conditions, and job security — are under direct threat. For nearly 90 years, the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) has protected these rights, but today, its very…
As we begin the new year, it is a time to reflect on past achievements and future aspirations as a union. By examining the previous year’s actions, we can set informed goals for the coming year. Engagement, education, and succession planning are key factors in assessing our progress. Our union’s members come from diverse backgrounds.…
Local 103 Timothy J. Olsen Local 105 Dennis Walker Local 129 Stacy Miller Mark Shay Brian Umphrey Local 164 Renee Marshall Dominic Matarazzo Local 223 Walter Allen Julius Ban Joseph Majeske Bill Wiles Local 254 Gregory M. Schroeder Local 261 Lori King Michael Shannon Local 270 Dennis Wise Local 287 Rich Halfin Local 322 Mark…
James Shillitto, President of Local 1-2 “New York continues to push forward with electrification and a transition toward renewable energy sources. Last year, the state legislature attempted to pass a bill banning new gas installations by shifting the cost burden of new gas service connections from utilities to consumers, aiming to disincentivize gas usage.…
Natural gas infrastructure has long been a cornerstone of American industrial power, with over 2.7 million miles of pipelines serving 189 million Americans. For UWUA members responsible for maintaining and operating this vast network, the industry has historically provided stable, well-paying union jobs. However, rapid technological advancements, aggressive decarbonization policies, and shifting market dynamics are…
On January 27, 2025, President Trump removed both National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo and NLRB Member Gwynne Wilcox from office. While the removal of GC Abruzzo was anticipated, the removal of Member Wilcox was not expected. The firing of Wilcox is unprecedented and is directly contrary to the plain language of…
In a remarkable turnaround from previous negotiations, UWUA Local 270 and the City of Berea, Ohio, reached a new contract agreement for water treatment workers in just four hours — a stark contrast to the 14 months it took to finalize their first contract in 2021. “I don’t know that there has ever been a…
Local 335 members secured their largest ever raise package in a new five-year contract with Missouri American Water. The agreement came after just 10 days of bargaining in September, significantly faster than previous negotiations which often lasted months. The contract provides annual raises starting at 3.75%, followed by 3.5% in year two and 3% for…
Richard Passarelli, who transformed employment opportunities for veterans in the utility industry, retired from his roles as UWUA’s Director of Veterans Affairs and Veterans Committee Chair on February 1. His departure marks the culmination of a remarkable career spanning over three decades in union leadership and veterans’ advocacy. “Rick left an indelible mark on this…