75th anniversary celebrated at Jackson Service Center

Thursday, June 7, 2012

UWUA Local 101-Jackson celebrated its 75^th anniversary on June 6, 2012 at the Jackson Service Center. National UWUA Secretary-Treasurer Gary Ruffner presented a plaque to Dennis Parshall, President of Local 101-Jackson. Michigan State Utility Workers Council President Patrick Dillon addressed the group and MSUWC Secretary-Treasurer Tony Elliott also attended the event.

Late in 1936, a group of Consumers Power employees banded together and decided that there should be a union on the property to represent them. After making a survey of the unions within Michigan they decided to become part of the United Auto Workers Union. After a period of negotiations,on June 8, 1937 the first working agreement was signed between Consumers Power Company and the United Auto Workers in Washington, DC. Consumers Power employees were represented by the UAW even before Ford Motor Company employees were.

After a short period of being in the UAW, the United Electrical Radio and Machine Workers Union of America represented the Consumers Power employees.

After being represented by the United Electrical Radio and Machine Workers Union of America, the IBEW, Local 876 out of Grand Rapids represented the group.

Finally, in 1943 the Utility Workers Organizing Committee won the right to represent the membership at Consumers Power and they ultimately became the Utility Workers Union of America. Local 101-Jackson was the first chartered Local. Congratulations to our Union Brothers and Sisters!

Click here for pictures from the celebration.