As a committed member of the Utility Workers Union of America Local 132, I have witnessed firsthand the impact that even a single breach of trust can have on thousands of lives. The union is our sole bargaining representative, and any lack of transparency in handling grievances could potentially lead to corruption or decisions that adversely affect us all.

The membership is the highest decision making body when at a duly called meeting. To safeguard our rights and maintain trust in the union’s operations, it's crucial that we, the members of UWUA Local 132, convene for an urgent meeting. We are calling for this meeting to take place in or around our union hall so that we can democratically vote on a resolution demanding transparency in the administration of system-wide grievances. Our proposal is clear: the meeting should be held no less than thirty days from the date of receipt, and focus solely on adopting the resolution regarding union transparency.

The resolution aims to ensure that the administration holds no secrets from the membership, allowing us all to aid our fellow union members effectively and prevent any potential misconduct.

Transparency is non-negotiable in maintaining the integrity and success of our union. Ensuring open communication and honesty will empower all members to work collectively towards our common goals without fear or doubt.

I urge all members of UWUA Local 132 to sign this petition and support our resolution for a transparent future. Your signature will be a step towards accountability and fairness within our union. Demand this meeting and make your voice heard!

Proposed Resolution:

“WHEREAS, the Preamble of the Bylaws of Local 132, Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO, commits the Union to improving the lives of members through solidarity, justice, dignity, and economic security, including negotiating labor contracts that ensure an effective voice at the workplace; and

WHEREAS, Article II, Section 2 of the Bylaws outlines the objectives of Local 132, including uniting all members for solidarity and strength in the workplace, maintaining and improving wages, benefits, and working conditions through collective bargaining, and organizing to extend the benefits of unionism; and

WHEREAS, Article XIII establishes the Grievance Committee and the process for handling grievances, which are critical to protecting members’ rights under the collective bargaining agreement, yet members often lack timely access to information on system-wide grievances that affect the broader membership; and

WHEREAS, Article VI assigns the Business Agent day-to-day responsibility for overseeing the timely processing of grievances to their conclusion, and the President responsibility for the day-to-day operations of Local 132, including administering the office and conducting correspondence; and

WHEREAS, transparency in union operations fosters member participation, accountability, and trust, aligning with the Union’s commitment to work selflessly for the greater good of all members without regard to narrow personal interests, as stated in the Preamble; and

WHEREAS, providing access to relevant grievance information would enhance members’ ability to engage in the democratic processes of the Union, such as membership meetings under Article IV and participation in negotiations under Article XV;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the officers of Local 132, including the President, Secretary-Treasurer, and Business Agent, are directed by the membership to upload to the Union website (uwua132.org or a secure member portal) all relevant information related to system-wide grievances, including but not limited to filled grievance forms (with personal identifiers redacted as needed for privacy and compliance with applicable laws), information requests submitted to the Company, Company correspondence and responses, updates on grievance status, resolutions, and any arbitration outcomes; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this transparency measure shall apply prospectively to all new, ongoing, and closed system-wide grievances, with initial uploads occurring within 5 days of grievance initiation or receipt of relevant documents, and regular updates provided at least quarterly thereafter; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Business Agent, in coordination with the President, is ordered by the membership to oversee the implementation of this resolution to ensure compliance with the collective bargaining agreement, privacy laws, and Union Bylaws.

This resolution shall take effect immediately upon approval by a majority vote of the membership at a duly called meeting.”