For press inquiries, please reach out to Communications Director Erin Bzymek at ebzymek@uwua.net or 202-702-9655.
WASHINGTON, DC (JUNE 23, 2025) – Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) President James Slevin today released the following statement in support of Governor Hochul’s directive to bring advanced nuclear power to New York’s power grid by 2040. “We’re glad the state recognizes the need for growing grid capacity and understands that nuclear is the…
WASHINGTON, DC (MAY 7, 2025) – The Utility Workers Union of America (AFL-CIO) recently expanded its organizing capacity by hiring two new organizers, Melissa Harter and J.J. Popio. The two organizers will support UWUA’s efforts to bring in new members with internal and external organizing campaigns. They will work to expand membership in the utility…
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…