From the Summer 2016 issue

President’s Message, Summer 2016

On November 8, Americans will vote to decide who will be the next president of the United States. This will be one of the most important elections in our nation’s history. Why? It is likely the next president will appoint up to four Supreme Court justices. This will determine the tenor of the court decisions…

Vote November 8th!

Many voters are angry, and want change. They’re not wrong, but that doesn’t really answer the question: What are the choices this election day? Donald Trump presents himself as a successful businessman, but his record is anything but clear cut. He likes to pose as the man who shares the anger of people who work…

Chicago Call Center Workers Ink 1st Contract

On September 11, eighty-eight call center workers represented by Local 18007 at Peoples Gas in Chicago, Illinois began enjoying the benefits of their first union contract. This followed their overwhelming 90% plus majority ratification vote for the contract in late August. Local 18007’s call center bargaining team celebrates their first contract. “I am extremely proud…

Repairing America’s Gas Infrastructure

The need to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure is a hot topic this election year. Everyone realizes something must be done. As a leading voice in the national dialogue about investing in infrastructure in the utility industry, UWUA President Mike Langford is successfully spearheading efforts on Capitol Hill and in State Houses to draw attention to…

P4A Susan Harwood Safety Trainings Reach American Water and Consumers Energy

In 2015, P4A was awarded an OSHA Susan Harwood safety training grant to train workers in hazards associated with construction.  Initially, P4A planned to train 40 trainers and 400 employees during 2016.  Beginning in May 2016, P4A trained 58 UWUA members to be trainers at American Water and Consumers Energy.  These 58 trainers spent most…

Chalking Up Success at Region IV Conference

The Region IV Conference, held in Chicago in August, was the final regional gathering of UWUA rank-and-file members and officers this year. \ From coast-to-coast, hundreds of members participated in the 2016 Regional Conferences, whose theme was “Repower Our Local Unions: Fighting Today for a Better Tomorrow.” They are now armed with the tools they…