Members of the Utility Workers Union of America Local 416 at West View Water Authority could go on strike at any time.

Union president John Witheral said members voted in May to authorize a strike after negotiations with the authority stalled but have held off.

Their last contract, a five-year deal, expired Sept. 30, 2022.

“(Our) members are highly trained and dedicated individuals who are responsible for delivering safe drinking water to (32) North Hills communities,” Witheral said. “Over the past year, West View Water Authority has been uncompromising in our effort to secure living wages and fair cost-sharing on health insurance coverage. We’re hopeful we can come to the table and continue negotiations in the coming days so that we can avoid a possible strike.”

Witheral said no advance notice of a strike is necessary.

However, “The employer has been made aware we have strike authorization from the members,” said Witheral.

There were no updates in the negotiations as of Nov. 8, Utility Workers Union of America spokesperson Erin Bzymek said via email.

“We’re trying to get another meeting on the books with the company at this point,” Bzymek said.

West View Water Authority is headquartered in West View and supplies water to 32 municipalities and more than 200,000 people in portions of Allegheny, Beaver and Butler counties.

Communities include Ben Avon , Ben Avon Heights, Sewickley Hills, Sewickely Heights, Avalon, Bellevue, Franklin Park and the townships of Ohio, Pine, Richland, Ross, Stowe, Kennedy, Cranberry, Reserve, Shaler and Kilbuck.

Authority Executive Director Robert Christian said a strike would not impact regular service, but other projects would be put on hold.

“Business as usual with exception to services that can wait — new meter sets and change-outs, hydrant flushing, routine maintenance and inspections,” Christian said via email.

“While bargaining continues, the Authority will remain focused on its mission of making every glass of water better than the last and providing every regional customer that it proudly serves with safe, reliable, and affordable drinking water.”

There have been numerous negotiation meetings since April 2022.

Christian said the meetings have produced two tentative agreements — both of which were voted down by the union.

“We have been working with a mediator to assist in those discussions, and we look forward to productive dialogue,” he said. “We remain hopeful that this matter will be resolved in the near term, but until a new contract is reached, union members will receive wages and fringe benefits pursuant to the terms of the agreement (that expired in September 2022.)”

It was unclear when union members may go on strike.

Christian said the authority remains committed to working out a deal that is fair for both parties.

“(We have) the utmost respect for our union workers and recognizes the value they bring to our system and our customers — a position we have maintained for more than 60 years,” Christian said. “We remain committed to providing excellent wages and benefits for all our employees.

”However, we must also be diligent in our fiduciary responsibility as an authority and make the necessary adjustments to align with the rising costs of health care.

“The Authority looks forward to future negotiations in good faith with our union workers’ that allow us to reach a compromise.”

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