About Us

The United Steelworkers (USW) Local 12-9477 proudly represents the hardworking men and women of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) and supporting operations in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Our members perform critical work that supports the Department of Energy’s national security and environmental cleanup mission, helping safely manage and dispose of defense-related transuranic waste from across the United States.

Local 12-9477 is committed to protecting workers’ rights, promoting workplace safety, advancing training and apprenticeship opportunities, and ensuring that our members have a strong voice in decisions affecting their jobs, families, and communities. We work collaboratively with management, government agencies, elected officials, and community stakeholders to support WIPP’s long-term mission while advocating for fair wages, benefits, and safe working conditions.

As part of the United Steelworkers International Union, Local 12-9477 represents a diverse workforce of skilled tradespeople, operators, technicians, administrative professionals, and support personnel whose expertise is essential to the success of the WIPP mission.

Executive Board Leadership

James Cobb

President
James Cobb serves as President of USW Local 12-9477 and provides leadership on labor relations, worker safety, workforce development, and legislative advocacy. He works closely with union members, company leadership, government agencies, and elected officials to advance the interests of the workforce and support the long-term success of WIPP.

Jeff Ortega

Vice President
Jeff Ortega serves as Vice President of Local 12-9477 and as a USW Safety Representative and assists in overseeing union operations, member representation, and covers safety concerns of members. He works to ensure members’ concerns are addressed while supporting the Local’s mission and objectives in safety.

Jonathan Gonzales

Financial Secretary
Jonathan Gonzales serves as Financial Secretary and also as a USW Safety Representative. Jonathan is responsible for maintaining financial records, managing reporting requirements, and ensuring the Local’s financial operations are conducted with transparency and accountability, he also covers safety concerns of the membership.

Dora Ledbetter

Treasurer
Dora Ledbetter serves as Treasurer and oversees the Local’s financial stewardship, budgeting, and fiscal management, helping ensure resources are utilized effectively to support members and union programs.

Dora Lopez

Recording Secretary
Dora Lopez serves as Recording Secretary and is responsible for maintaining official meeting minutes, union records, and organizational documentation, ensuring accurate recordkeeping and preserving the history of the Local.

Together, the leadership team of USW Local 12-9477 remains dedicated to representing the membership, strengthening worker protections, supporting the WIPP mission, and serving the Carlsbad community.