The officers of the National Executive Board of the Utility Workers Union of America, along with over 300 delegates, visitors and retirees from 163 of the 217 locals, across the country, representing approximately 47, 292 voting members, gathered for the twenty-eighth Constitutional Convention of the Utility workers Union of America, AFL-CIO.

Delegates representing Local 522 were President Dave Sherman, Vice President Jose Campos and Secretary Treasurer Jeff Bernard. The convention was held at the Duke Energy Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, June 27 through June 30, 2007.

The purpose of the convention is, on a national level, to reflect and report successes and failures during the past four years and to chart a course for improvement for the next four years and beyond.The National officers reported that, "organizing the unorganized" was, and will continue to be, a focus for this organization. It is realized that growth in the 21st century is essential to the union movement.This will require a "greater unity from all rank and file members from across the country".

Issues that were discussed were Utility Deregulation, Health Care, Pension Plans, Defending Social Security, Fair Wages, Nuclear Energy and intervening in Regulatory Activities.The Local 522 Executive Board will be closely examining these issues as we come upon negotiations.Now is the time for input from you on these issues. Remember your voices will not be heard if you fail to open your mouths.Contact your local representative or Local Executive board member with suggestions, observations, etc.

There were 18 National Constitutional changes (majority housekeeping), and 20 resolutions submitted for the delegates to consider, all of which were ratified. Of the resolutions submitted none were more heartfelt as that which was submitted by former Local 132 President Sam Weinstein, now on the National Staff. Sam,Äôs submittal of R-20 "Resolution on the Iraq War" evoked emotional testimonials from all, but none more emotional than responses from the Chair of the Human Rights Committee Rob Howard and Executive Board Committee Chair Harry Farrell.Their responses put the cap on a well received resolution.

Jim Hightower, National Commentator and author of "Thieves In High Places: They've Stolen Our Country and It's Time To Take It Back" gave a crowd pleasing orientation on the plight of America and it's working class. He illustrated the need for the American public to once again claim that which has been taken from them; truth, liberties, justice and economic solace, and the important role that unionism plays in the process of reclaiming the fruits of freedom.

President Langford affirmed the National's commitment to Human Rights.Guest Speaker Clayola Brown, President of the A. Phillip Randolph Institute and Professor Arthur T. Matthews of Cornell University School of Industrial & Labor Relations spoke eloquently on this matter.Professor Matthews challenged us all, regardless of ethnicity, to band together in the fight for equality, for this is no longer a struggle between ethnicity, but a struggle between corporations and the working class.

Other noted speakers participating at the convention was John Sweeney, President AFL-CIO.Howard Dean, Democratic National Committee Chairman.U.S. Senators Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John Edwards, via video or conference call.

This was a well run convention and the agenda was jam packed.Business was conducted orderly and there was not any time wasted, thank you President Langford.

The business of electing the National officers was, for the most part uneventful, as there was no opposition to the individuals running for offices that were up for election, thus eliminating the need for a roll call vote.National Secretary Treasurer Gary Ruffner submitted one vote for the unopposed candidates.

On behalf of the members of Local 522, I extend a thank you, to those exiting office, for the hard work and dedicated service. For those entering office I extend congratulations.We are anxiously looking forward to you in continuing to provide the leadership upon which the UWUA is founded.

For additional or more detailed information on the convention contact your local delegates.