More than 1,100 National Grid workers responsible for managing the natural gas transmission systems and operating a group of power plants on Long Island continue to lack a permanent agreement.
Approximately 71% of the employees, represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1049, decided against accepting the provisional deal proposed by the corporation following several weeks of negotiations, according to an announcement made by the union on March 7th.
Pat Guidice, the business manager of IBEW Local 1049, stated that the declined contract proposal was not accepted.
highlight the dedication and efforts of the employees towards the Long Island community.
We are not prepared to agree to an arrangement that does not serve the best interests of the dedicated members of IBEW Local 1049,” stated Guidice. “National Grid has achieved unprecedented profits thanks to the skills and commitment of Local 1049’s workforce. Our only request is equitable treatment, deserved salaries, along with healthcare and retirement benefits that enable us to stay here on Long Island.
The union’s prior agreement, set to expire on February 13, has been prolonged until March 28. This extension provides additional time for both sides to negotiate.
Guidice stated that if the two sides fail to come to terms or make substantial progress towards a equitable contract by the 28th, the union will go on strike on that day. He intends for both parties to engage in continuous meetings and negotiations up until that point.
I’m doing everything I can to prevent a work disruption,” Guidice stated. “Our members have a crucial part in the Long Island community by ensuring residents’ homes stay heated, illuminated, and contributing to the continuous operation of our local economy.
But if it reaches a point where it becomes futile or we’re just wasting our time,” he mentioned regarding negotiations, “we will then take to the streets.
The primary issues members found with the tentative agreement they voted down – and continued bargaining will be focused on – focus on salaries, pensions, and healthcare,
Guidice stated that approximately 1,000 members attended the union’s membership meeting on February 22. During this gathering, the union leaders discussed the terms of the agreement that was set for a vote.
“The financial strain on working families nowadays, the rapid increase in inflation over recent years, and the looming uncertainties are essentially requiring us to achieve a raise in wages that matches up with the rise in living costs due to inflation,” stated Guidice.
He mentioned that staff members have not experienced a notable rise in their pensions for more than two decades, and enhancements were necessary to prevent inflation from diminishing the value of these benefits.
Guidice stated that to make financial space for potential raises or pension enhancements, the union aimed at keeping members enrolled in their present Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance rather than switching them over to Aetna. He mentioned this suggestion could cut costs for National Grid by $12.9 million, which might then be used to balance out hikes in other parts of the agreement.
Guidice stressed that the union maintained a non-adversarial relationship with National Grid management and believed both sides shared common goals regarding the safe and efficient operation of the utility company.
Plain and simple, we require these enhancements,” he stated. “National Grid isn’t facing financial difficulties.” “I plan to return to negotiations, and I am confident that the employer will also come back to the bargaining table prepared for discussion. Our aim is to reach a mutually advantageous accord.
Attempts to contact National Grid proved unsuccessful.
