IBEW and UWUA Workers Urge Passage of Nofs-Proos Energy Package

LANSING, Mich., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan leaders of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) are among many state leaders calling on the Michigan legislature to support Senate Bills 437-438, sponsored by Senate Energy Committee chair and vice chair Senators Mike Nofs and John Proos.

"On behalf of our combined 25,000 members around the state, the UWUA and the IBEW urge Michigan legislators to pass these comprehensive energy updates to ensure reliability for Michigan workers and their families," said Dean Bradley, Business Manager of IBEW Local 17. "That is why we fully support quick passage of Senate Bills 437 and 438 in the Senate so the House can take them up before the end of the year. It is past time to update Michigan's energy policy."

After hundreds of hours of testimony and public input, Senators Nofs and Proos found consensus among a variety of organizations, including business and labor, for legislation that ensures affordable, reliable and clean energy for Michigan families and workers. As written, the bills sustain electric choice, protect electric reliability, and ensure a competitive process for new generation, according to IBEW and UWUA officials.

"The Utility Workers Union of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers have played a critical role in building and maintaining Michigan's energy infrastructure and we support these plans to make sure Michigan power will be always be generated in Michigan by Michigan workers," said Patrick Dillon, President of the Michigan State Utility Workers Council – UWUA.  "Reliable, affordable and clean energy is essential for Michigan's future."

Michael Richard, chair of the IBEW Michigan State Conference, said: "The IBEW implores senators to update Michigan's energy laws to ensure that the skilled men and women who have developed and cultivated Michigan's energy infrastructure will continue to do so and provide reliable electrical generation for Michigan workers and families."

IBEW and UWUA – with a combined membership over 25,000 in Michigan – represent workers and their families who have built and maintained Michigan's energy infrastructure and generating capacity.

SOURCE Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA)