13 March, 2025<p>Michigan-based wind technicians who operate and maintain Vestas wind turbines have voted overwhelmingly to unionize, joining the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA), This groundbreaking decision marks the first time Vestas wind technicians in North America have unionized.</p>
Michigan-based wind technicians who operate and maintain Vestas wind turbines have voted overwhelmingly to unionize, joining the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA), This groundbreaking decision marks the first time Vestas wind technicians in North America have unionized.
“This victory is a big win for this group,” says Deirdre Brill, UWUA organizing director. “More and more renewable energy workers are recognizing how unions can help secure better, safer working conditions.”
Fed up with unsafe conditions, grueling 16-hour shifts and working holidays without proper pay, the technicians turned to UWUA for support. Safety and training will be top priorities as the union prepares to negotiate their first contract, ensuring that those who keep the turbines running are protected on the job.
“These workers took a remarkable step forward to take back their power,”
says UWUA president James Slevin. “They were up against a strong anti-union campaign. The company pulled all the usual stunts to try to get them to vote against this union campaign. We welcome these Vestas wind techs to our membership and we look forward to addressing their key concerns when we sit down to negotiate their first contract.”
The Vestas wind techs manage operations and maintenance for 128 turbines, including major component replacements.
“We stood united with the Vestas wind technicians who have bravely organized to secure their rights and improve their working conditions. We celebrate their determination and welcome them with open arms to the union family. We will continue to stand shoulder by shoulder as they negotiate their first contract,”
says IndustriALL general secretary, Atle Høie.
Last year IndustriALL affiliates from across the globe met in Vienna to discuss an organizing campaign in the wind power sector. The main objectives of the conference were to discuss the latest trends in the wind power sector and strategies to organize the workforce and organizing in companies like Vestas is a step in the right direction.
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