Atomic Workers Deepen Ties of Solidarity and Activism at Council Conference

Members of the USW Atomic Energy Workers Council (AEWC) sharpened their advocacy skills, discussed pressing sector issues with administration leaders, and built cross-border solidarity at their biannual meeting in Arlington, Va., this September.

AEWC Council President Gary Wilson and USW International Chair of the Nuclear Sector Brandon Duncan led the council through a packed two-day agenda that included sector updates from Department of Energy (DOE) and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) officials, a briefing on the Worker Health and Protection Program (WHPP), presentations and trainings from USW international staff, and more.

Atomic Workers Defend ALARA Standard

Council members spent the day before the meeting's Sept. 18 opening lobbying 21 U.S. Representatives and Senators in Washington, D.C. about proposed deregulatory changes to the ALARA ("as low as reasonably achievable") standard, funding, workforce development training, and site-specific issues.

Local 7-669 President John Goss said his local, based in Metropolis, Ill., had not participated in an AEWC meeting in many years and was "honored" to return.

In particular, he learned from his first lobbying experience that "sometimes, one of the most effective ways for Congress to understand exactly what we need is for us to go there ourselves and tell them."

The members' advocacy around the enforcement of the ALARA standard continued during the Council meeting, with members sharing personal stories, asking questions, and expressing concern to Lauren Joyce, Acting Chief Operating Officer with the Office of Nuclear Energy (DOE), and David Curtis, Deputy Executive Director for Transition and Organizational Effectiveness with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

Council Expands Footprint

The Council also welcomed its first Canadian local (USW Local 8914), as well as one new and one returning local (Local 8888 and 7-669, respectively) to the fall gathering.

Sector Chair Duncan reinforced the interconnectedness of the room, noting that the presence of the new locals represented "the lifecycle of uranium."

As noted by USW Local 8914 President Mike Johnson from Saskatchewan, Canada: "Local 8914 mines the uranium, refines it to yellowcake, and sends it to the U.S. to enrich it into usable fuel, where it is installed, used, and then disposed of. All of these processes are done by USW members, working safely and united," he said.

Johnson, who previously had minimal knowledge about AEWC, was "proud" to represent his local and is hopeful that his local will become involved with the Council moving forward.

"I had the chance in person to witness what real solidarity looks like," Johnson said.