Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, newly appointed UWUA National Representative for Region II, Joseph Swenglish, became a member of UWUA Local 433 in 1994. Since then, he has been employed by the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN), where he spent the beginning of his career as a welder before becoming a control room operator…
UWUA support was key to Local 164 member John Lorenzo winning his race to become Commissioner of Rostraver Township, PA in November. The 40-year-old father of two decided to run for office after successfully opposing the privatization of his township’s wastewater operation. “I want make sure our residents’ interests come first,” he says, adding, “The…
Fifty-Eight Years of Service And Going Strong! Local 175 member Janice Behnken (pictured left) was recently recognized by UWUA President Jim Slevin for her 58 years of service at Vectren Energy and her dedication to her local’s membership. “I’m still working full time for the gas company and when I get off work I volunteer…
For United States high school juniors who will be completing or leaving high school and entering college in the fall of 2021. This scholarship program was established by Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO for the children of union members. To enter your child into the 2021 Utility Workers Union of America Scholarship Program (for…
Each year on November 11, we recognize the sacrifices and contributions made by our veterans. While support of our veterans is heartfelt by everyday working people, that has not always been the case with some of our elected politicians and others. President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, the “GI Bill of Rights,” into…
As UWUA members, gas, electric, and water are the utilities in our business. However, with today’s technology, communication and social media, is ‘data’ the new utility? Is it possible that as we look ahead, data is the world’s most valuable resource? Many companies across the country have made the gathering of data a major focus…
Well, it is that time of year. The holidays you think, well yes, but what I was actually referring to is the beginning of the relentless barrage of political ads. This resurrects the age-old question, “Should a labor union support the Democratic or Republican Party?” This is a debate that union members have had from…
The Good In 2018, the Supreme Court issued a 5-4 decision in Janus v. AFSCME Council 31 that ruled a public employee cannot be required to pay dues or fees for the representation the union provides related to collective bargaining and other representational activities. The majority on the Court ruled that Mark Janus, a State…
Union members across the nation are standing up and fighting back, and the UWUA is on the front lines with them! When the United Auto Workers’ (UAW) went on strike against General Motors in September, the UWUA was offering support on the picket lines, donating supplies and financial support to UAW’s strike fund. “We stand…
On November 9, some 1,400 UWUA members from throughout California rallied together at the Pasadena Convention Center urging lawmakers to adopt a more moderate, integrated approach to powering the state’s energy future. Members urged lawmakers consider factors such as energy reliability and affordability while at the same time working together to address climate change. “Today,…
Gas Workers Local 18007’s annual Veterans Day Drive collected donations from numerous worksites to deliver to Midwest Veteran’s Closet. Located in North Chicago, IL the organization is a not-for-profit rapid response group that provides life’s basic needs to enlistees, families and veterans. Two veterans from each shop delivered the donations along with Local 18007 President…
Braintree, MA Cable Installers Secure 22 Percent Pension Benefit Raise The members of Local 379 in Braintree, Massachusetts, working with Senior National Representative Dan Hurley, successfully secured a significant, 22 percent increase to cable installers’ pensions. The members’ defined pensions are held by the county and voted on by the retirement board of the town.…
UWUA hosted over 350 United Steelworkers (USW), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Unifor, United Association (UA) and UWUA members in Florida for the Inter-Union Gas Conference in September. The annual conference offers a unique opportunity for members to share concerns, safety issues and lessons learned from their experience working in the industry. Safety first…
UWUA President Jim Slevin recently met with Local 127 members at the Dave Johnston Plant in Wyoming, one of the largest coal-fired electric power generation facilities in the western United States. While owner PacifiCorp has announced plans for closing the plant over the next couple of decades, workers have received assurances that there will be…
The way we generate electricity today is evolving rapidly. In America, coal and nuclear assets are increasingly being taken offline every year, while natural gas and renewable generation is expanding. We understand these changes are driven by powerful economic forces and also in response to global climate change. Opportunities and challenges UWUA members are highly-skilled…
Ohio Local 270 pulled off a remarkable victory this fall by successfully preserving everything in its collective bargaining agreement as employer FirstEnergy Solutions emerges from bankruptcy. “Everything was saved,” says 270 President Frank Meznarich. “We’re not giving up anything, our contracts remain the same.” FirstEnergy’s demand that union members give up their defined benefit pension…
Listening to Our Members Since being elected UWUA president last summer, I’ve embarked on a nationwide listening tour to hear your concerns and identify issues that are affecting you and your families. My goal is to work with you, your local and national officers to create a better workplace and a better life for all…