About Us

UWUA Local 1-2

Find out how Local 1-2 started and how far we’ve come.

Who We Are

We, the Utility Workers of America, believing it to be natural, right, and just that those who toil should enjoy to the fullest extent the wealth created by their labor; and realizing that under the ever changing industrial conditions and the enormous growth of corporations and other aggregations of capital. It is impossible for us to obtain the full reward of our labor other than through united, industrial action; And believing that labor acting along economic and political lines can secure a more equitable distribution of the nation’s wealth for all those performing useful service to society.

Therefore, we pledge ourselves to labor united on behalf of the principals herein set forth, to perpetuate our organization on the basis of friendship and justice to expound its objects and obey the laws laid down for its guidance and government, and always labor for its success, knowing as we do, that when we are united no reasonable demands that we may make can be denied us.

The Formation of UWUA Local 1-2 New York

1930’s

Consolidated Edison (As easy as 1-2)

During this era, the spirit of unionism began to flourish independently in New York, marking a pivotal moment in our nation’s labor history. By the mid-1930s, an alliance between the Bronx Gas and Electric Company, Yonkers Electric Light and Power, and the Westchester Lighting Company established what was known as the “Employees’ Representation Plan.” This innovative approach empowered employee representatives from each company to address shared concerns and propose solutions. In the minutes of those early meetings, the mission was clear: to form a unified front, representing the workforce of Yonkers, Bronx, and Westchester, and to engage in constructive dialogue with management, seeking to improve conditions and foster mutual understanding. This pioneering endeavor laid the foundation for the enduring legacy of organized labor in our region, embodying the American values of unity, cooperation, and progress.

After careful deliberation, a plan of organization was unanimously agreed upon:

The Unit shall be comprised of a chairman, secretary, and an advisory board, consisting of two members from each general council of the Westchester Lighting Co., the Bronx Gas & Electric Co., and the Yonkers Electric Light & Power Co. Only the chairmen shall possess voting rights on all matters brought forth for discussion and presentation to the Management. To uphold the principles of collective bargaining, the Unit must receive acceptance from each individual general council, after which the Management will be formally requested to recognize the Unit as an official bargaining entity. The advisory board, in each instance, will comprise two members from comparable departments of each company’s general council, rotating attendance at each Unit meeting as per prior agreements.

It was unanimously decided in this meeting that two representatives from the Commercial Group (or department) of each general council would join the next meeting as advisory board members, alongside the respective chairman and secretary of each council. While the specifics of these arrangements may evolve over time, the underlying commitment of the employee representatives remains unwavering: to positively influence the working conditions of all employees. Such dedication reflects the enduring spirit of patriotism and unity inherent in the American workforce.

1935-1936

However, despite the earnest efforts of the employees, as was often the case, their endeavors were hindered...

by the stipulation that all decisions regarding merit or actions taken on proposals remained solely within the domain of management. This sentiment was echoed in May 9, 1935, at an Employees General Council:

We were notified that one of the principal topics presented for Company consideration by the First General Council was the issue of job reclassification. Regrettably, this request was not granted by the Management, prompting the First General Council to suggest that we carefully consider this matter and strive to secure Management’s favorable acceptance. Subsequently, a motion was raised proposing that each representative, supported by a committee appointed from members of their respective group, undertake the classification of jobs within their jurisdiction. This motion was seconded, put to vote, and duly passed with emphasis. On March 23, 1936, a landmark moment occurred as the Public Service Commission sanctioned the merger of esteemed entities such as the New York Edison Company, the Bronx Gas and Electric Company, the New Amsterdam Company, the Central Union Gas Co., the Northern Union Gas Co., and others into the illustrious “Consolidated Edison Company.” This union symbolizes the strength and resilience inherent in the American spirit, as diverse entities come together to forge a brighter, more prosperous future for all.

Following the establishment of the new company, the Employees’ Representative Council convened to reaffirm its connection with this emerging entity. However, the era of this company union was swiftly approaching its conclusion. Just a year after the merger, in April and May of 1937, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), an esteemed affiliate of the AFL, took decisive action and secured a “Consent Recognition” to represent the employees of ConEd. Faced with limited alternatives, the employees seamlessly transitioned into membership within the ranks of the IBEW. Without delay, the IBEW extended charters to the seven company unions, marking a pivotal moment in the collective journey of American labor. This transition underscores the enduring spirit of unity and collaboration as workers unite under the banner of a respected and renowned organization, committed to advancing the rights and welfare of its members.

The (7) charters were distributed in the following manner:

2 charters were issued to ConEd locals (later to be Local 1-2 of the UWUA)
1 charter was issued to New York Steam Employees
1 charter was issued to Consolidated Telegraph & Electrical Subway Employees
1 charter was issued to New York and Queens Electric Light and Power
1 charter was issued to Brooklyn Edison Company
1 charter was issued to two Westchester affiliates

The members were far from happy with their new union inasmuch as the IBEW chartered them as “B” locals. This “B” local designation meant that these members could not perform work that IBEW reserved for its “A” members. This also meant that the IBEW was not going to last long at ConEd, and it didn’t.

1940’s

In the dawn of 1940, a monumental dispute over work jurisdiction erupted on ConEd property,

instigated by the IBEW’s insistence on bringing in unfamiliar “A” members to undertake tasks traditionally reserved for ConEd workers. The membership seethed with anger, yet the IBEW remained indifferent to their concerns. What course of action was left? They embarked on a strike, draining the IBEW’s coffers with their resolve. This proved to be the tipping point, prompting the seven “B” locals to expel the IBEW. They promptly petitioned the National Labor Relations Board for an election.

Shortly before the election, the IBEW withdrew from the ballot, leaving the newly independent group to contest against a “no union” vote. Triumphantly, they emerged victorious, christening themselves the “Brotherhood of Consolidated Edison Employees” (BCEE), resurrecting the original seven charters. Additionally, they formed a “Council of Twenty-one,” with three members from each of the seven chartered groups, to oversee their collective interests. In due course, Locals 1 and 2 opted to merge, upholding their founding identities by adopting the name Local 1-2.

In a remarkably brief span, the employees severed ties with the IBEW, embracing a new, independent organization—the Brotherhood of Consolidated Edison Employees. This organization comprised six chartered groups, with representation on a supervisory council. The inaugural leaders of this council were Joseph Fisher, as Chairman; William Pachler, as Secretary; and Clem Lewis, as Treasurer. Functioning as a centralized body, this council adeptly addressed membership concerns and negotiated contracts.