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…
As we mark the Utility Workers Union of America’s 80th anniversary, I’m proud to lead this organization and to confront the challenges our members face head-on as utility workers and as members of the labor movement. I stand firmly on the shoulders of the many great labor leaders who came before me. We’ve come a long way as…
Every strong safety culture is more than a rulebook or a checklist — it’s about people on the ground who know the work, understand the risks, and have earned the trust of the crews they support. In this installment of How It’s Done, we highlight three union safety leaders who bring deep field experience, practical judgment, and worker-first credibility…
In April 2026, the UWUA marks 80 years since delegates gathered in Atlantic City to adopt the union’s first Constitution. That convention did more than form a national organization — it established a direction rooted in dignity on the job, safety, strong training, and collective voice. Eight decades later, those principles continue to guide the union through an…
For more than 60 years, UWUA Local 1-2 members have supported Rosary Hill, a New York hospice that provides free end-of-life care and relies entirely on donations. First launched in 1961, the effort continues to grow through coordinated member and retiree fundraising. The tradition began when Con Edison employee and union steward Gus Pasquale visited…
Members of Local 108 in Anderson, Indiana, ratified a new four-year contract in December that delivers major wage gains, protects benefits and long-standing contract language and demonstrates what focused, member-driven bargaining can achieve. The agreement covers approximately 50 municipal workers across the city’s water and wastewater operations and was negotiated in just three days —…
Earlier this year, Michigan took a significant step to prepare workers and communities for economic change with the launch of the Community and Worker Economic Transition Office, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to proactively address the impacts of industrial transformation in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and transportation. Established through legislation passed in 2023, the Transition…
Members of UWUA Local 393 working in the Suffolk County Water Authority’s (SCWA) water quality laboratory ratified a new eight-year collective bargaining agreement in December that recognizes the specialized nature of their work and makes meaningful progress on pay equity and long-term stability. The agreement covers 31 laboratory professionals — including chemists, bacteriologists, and laboratory…
In July, Local B341 successfully organized eight workers employed by Maine Natural Gas at its Augusta and Brunswick locations. The organizing drive took place as Unitil moved to purchase Maine Natural Gas from Central Maine Power’s parent company, Avangrid. By joining the UWUA, the newly organized workers ensured they entered the acquisition with union representation and a voice on…
The UWUA wishes all our retirees health and happiness during your “golden years.” Enjoy it — you’ve earned it! Local 1-2 Robert Anderson Osbert Browne Aaliyah Bullock Michael Casamassimo Raquel Colon Cheryl Covington Lance Dickson Christopher Grayson Victor Guevara Elton Hanson Carl Lewis Ruby Mason Jerome Middleton Calogero Migliore Anthony Mitchell Daniel Moffitt Michael Murphy Jermaine Nipper Gustavo…
As we move further into the new year, I want to take a moment to check in with all my brothers and sisters across the UWUA. This time of year often brings renewed focus and fresh goals, but it should also be a time to pause and evaluate our own mental health and overall well-being. As leaders,…
One of the strongest reasons I believe in unions is their role in protecting workers’ rights. Without them, workers are often left with little real power. Workers need protection and a real voice on the job, and unions exist to protect basic workplace standards. Unions give workers a way to stand up for themselves without…
As we move into fiscal year reporting season, this is a good time for every local and council to review year-end financial records and make sure all required compliance filings and safeguards are in place. That includes Department of Labor LM reports, IRS Form 990 filings, and required fidelity bonding for anyone who handles union funds. Each of these…