Pending National Grid strike?

[dungnfam]

Does anyone out there who works for National Grid in Massachusetts know how the contract talks are going? I know the contract is up on May 11th. Is a strike a strong possibility or do you think you'll most likely settle? Stand up for what you believe in just like those who did it before you because they did it for you not themselves.

[topgroove]

Does anyone out there who works for National Grid in Massachusetts know how the contract talks are going? I know the contract is up on May 11th. Is a strike a strong possibility or do you think you'll most likely settle? Stand up for what you believe in just like those who did it before you because they did it for you not themselves.
here in NY we just aggreed to a three year contract extension contingent on the keyspan deal. 3% raise each year. hope all goes well for our brothers in New England. I hate contract time, its always stressful. Useally a 30 day extension is signed if it goes past May 11th. Here in New York the supervisors came around last time and took our Keys, belt&hooks, gloves and sleeves when it got down to the wire.

[dungnfam]

I don't think an extension will be signed. The union here also represents NStar and they went on strike for two weeks a couple of years ago. But that's what you want in a union: big balls. Signing an extension proves nothing to the compnay because they know you don't want to strike / lose income so they will play hard ball and the union ends up giving in. If you vote to strike then you strike not sign a 30 day extension. Stand up for what you believe in union brothers.

[Mouse]

The difference with the Nstar strike was the union had the upper hand because of the storm that hit at the same time. The company could have held out, most likely would have held out, but they faced waaay too much pressure from the PUC, state and other regulatory agencies to put their customers power back on. What I am wondering is what are the union contractors going to do? they have a contractual obligation to work because of the alliance, what are their feelings, will they continue to work?

[topgroove]

a thirty day temporary extension is not voted on by the rank and file. a strike authorization vote is voted on by the rank and file. The Key Span deal will weigh heavily on the contract talks. Grid doesn't need a possible strike complicating the deal. Anyone know the key issues in the talks?

[billg]

I'm a union contractor employee on their property, and alliance agreement or not, I won't cross any picket line - EVER!

[topgroove]

Thank You billg! You're a good man. I hope there's many more brothers like you . When NSTAR was on strike we all watched very closely and a few non-union contractors did cross the picket line. I hope it never happens again.

[lineman345]

I hear it looks like a strike,our group wont cross any lines

[edski104]

i sure hope you guys don't have to strike the lousy sons o' bitches to get what we all know is yours and ours by what is common decency. but knowing the grid, they'll probably make it go down to the last wire. little shits. i mean they know from watching the n-star strike that no one in 104 will cross the line. i heard that JCR got ran off the property,good, so that doesn't leave them with too many options. basically they just need to suck it up and admit that we ARE the reason the lights stay on,but then you get to hear about the engineers, the call centers,and the managers who do all the work that we can't do. HA. can to.if the united states only has one vice-president,how many does the grid have? or need? our CEO for progress energy makes,get this, $3408.28 an hour for a 40 hour work week. we make $30.00 an hour. makes you want to run right up them poles ,huh? sure helped our morale. just hope you guy hold out for everything you deserve. live free,live union!!! hi billy. ed:cool: :D

[billg]

edski, JCR is was on the property during the last storm break a couple weeks ago.

[maddog369]

Thanks for support guys. Current Grid employee here and so far all we hear is they want to take more away rather than give anything.:confused: Only ten days left and very far apart. Co. stock up 60% in past year and spending $10 billion (cash) on Keyspan deal, but wants us to pay more for health care, and take other benefits away. I hope we do take a stand, it is probably the best time to, given all the bad press they have already and the fact nobody wants to come work here.

[MrStub]

Grid worker also. Things aren't looking good. Grid thinks we're all lucky to have jobs. They just want to take and take.
Thanks for all the support.

United we stand ! Divided we beg !

[topgroove]

Journeyman Lineman
Company Name: Confidential Approximate Salary: 50.00 Per Hour
Location: Confidential, ALL OVER US Country: United States
Industry: Energy - Power Position type: Contract
Subcategory Lineman Education level: High School or equivalent
Experience level: Journeyman Lineman Website
We are currently seeking Journeyman Lineman for transmission and distribution work for an electric utility. This project will start in the next several weeks and is supporting a utility for a potential labor dispute.

Compensation for this project is $50.00/hr for all straight time hours worked and $75.00/hr for overtime hours worked. Company will provide mobilization, demobilization, a meal allowance and lodging.

Interested individuals should fax a resume to 630-588-0333. If you do not have a resume, simply write your name, phone number and the number of years experience as a Journeyman Lineman on a sheet of paper and fax to number listed above. We will contact you within 24 hours of receipt of your information.

[powerhotdog]

702 member here.I'm nowhere close to the Grid even if I was I wouldn't cross no line.

[Bull Dog]

For some of us that dont know grid were is it, what areas do they serve and how big ect. What is the history of this company?

[topgroove]

National Grid is a major Player in the Northeats. Grid serves over 3.4 million customers electris and Gas. National Grid is based in England and got its foot in the door here in the US with the Massachusetts Electric merger. Grid bought Niagara Mohawk in 2002 for chump change in 2002 and its been strickly business ever since. Their Stock is doing fantastic. You all should check it out, I've done rather well with it.They're about to aquire Key Span for ten Billion dollars cash.

[maddog369]

Topgroove. Just curious why New York signed for 3 more years if contract wasn't up til 2008. It seems to us @ 369 that 97 jumped the gun.

[topgroove]

Maintaining status quo plus 3% raise each year was enough I guess for the rank and file here at IBEW 97

[loodvig]

edski, JCR is was on the property during the last storm break a couple weeks ago.

JCR is around every day in Mass.

[KingRat]

JCR is around every day in Mass.

That"s right loodvig-we are alive and well, much to edski dismay! Keep looking over your shoulder- there is a red truck :D

[topgroove]

That"s right loodvig-we are alive and well, much to edski dismay! Keep looking over your shoulder- there is a red truck :DHey King Rat... Any plans on crossing a picket line this time around.

[loodvig]

Hey King Rat... Any plans on crossing a picket line this time around.

Lets not forget OnTarget who also crossed N-Stars lines along with JCR.

[KingRat]

Hey King Rat... Any plans on crossing a picket line this time around.We are not part of the alliance- our linecrews are currently working for other utilities. If a storm hits as did with nstar, we will respond.I find it very interesting you don't mention that contractors on the property is a key issue in your talks-Aren"t they all Union lineman? They are under contract as an alliance-I bet you grid guys would like to see them blow this deal- after all they are doing all or should I SAY MOST OF THE WORK, the alliance could actually take over . We will be watching the alliance to see what they do.

[topgroove]

We are not part of the alliance- our linecrews are currently working for other utilities. If a storm hits as did with nstar, we will respond.I find it very interesting you don't mention that contractors on the property is a key issue in your talks-Aren"t they all Union lineman? They are under contract as an alliance-I bet you grid guys would like to see them blow this deal- after all they are doing all or should I SAY MOST OF THE WORK, the alliance could actually take over . We will be watching the alliance to see what they do.Here in the west we're under contract with IBEW97 untill march 2011. we just aggreed to a three year contract extension. We have provisions in the contract for the use of contractors.Personally I don't have a problem with contractors expecially union contractors. I do have a big problem with anybody who crosses a picket line. Even if a storm blows through no one should ever cross. Here in the west supervision is going through strike training to assist New England in a possible labor dispute. They're even bringing in retirees for training. Most of these retirees worked for the union for 30 or more years before landing a job in management. Now they can't wait to scab for the man.

[loodvig]

I never liked contract time. Lots of stress! It leaves hard feelings for years to come. It's too bad all the unions can't get together on it. One allways grabs the first offer and runs out the door. Then the rest of the unions can see what they'll end up with. Why even talk anymore? In this case I feel that the N.Y. guys jumped the gun! Sorry T-Groove but that's how I feel.

[KingRat]

I never liked contract time. Lots of stress! It leaves hard feelings for years to come. It's too bad all the unions can't get together on it. One allways grabs the first offer and runs out the door. Then the rest of the unions can see what they'll end up with. Why even talk anymore? In this case I feel that the N.Y. guys jumped the gun! Sorry T-Groove but that's how I feel. I agree with you loodvig- any unhappy grid lineman should go to work for the alliance, if in fact it is really that bad-

[Stinger]

like brothers billg and edski said, LU 104 will not ever cross a picket line, alliance or no alliance. The way grid treats us contractors is no different than the way they treat their own people. What was Topgrove or lodvig saying " National Grid, we aint happy till your not happy". 104 will satnad with you and for you, but let me say this, stop throwing us under the bus every chance you get. Does not matter if you UWA and we are IBEW, we are still union brothers we need to be united not divided.

[topgroove]

I aggree stinger... You won't find me throwing any contract lineman under the bus. I've come to realize we're all brothers in the trade and the best thing we can do is work together and share the same common goal. You pick a fight with one of us you pick a fight with all of us.

[topgroove]

I never liked contract time. Lots of stress! It leaves hard feelings for years to come. It's too bad all the unions can't get together on it. One allways grabs the first offer and runs out the door. Then the rest of the unions can see what they'll end up with. Why even talk anymore? In this case I feel that the N.Y. guys jumped the gun! Sorry T-Groove but that's how I feel.
I aggree loodvig... we may have jumped the gun. part of the problem may be because we have no lawyers on our side, just a bunch of lineman trying to match witts with a team of corporate lawyers. we're grossly missmatched. After the rank and file votes a union official out of office they usually find a place in management. The last two contracts we've gone through we took it up the a$$ so bad we can't even pinch out $hits off. sounds like a purse being dumped out. maybe the next four years will give our rectoms a chance to heal
Good luck my New Enland brothers. I wish our union had the courage to stand up and fight. Could someone from New Enland PM me with your website and message board so I can pass some info on from here in NY?

[KingRat]

I aggree loodvig... we may have jumped the gun. part of the problem may be because we have no lawyers on our side, just a bunch of lineman trying to match witts with a team of corporate lawyers. we're grossly missmatched. After the rank and file votes a union official out of office they usually find a place in management. The last two contracts we've gone through we took it up the a$$ so bad we can't even pinch out $hits off. sounds like a purse being dumped out. maybe the next four years will give our rectoms a chance to heal
Good luck my New Enland brothers. I wish our union had the courage to stand up and fight. Could someone from New Enland PM me with your website and message board so I can pass some info on from here in NY? You may have jumped the gun? I have been on the negotiating end of contract talks and your not grossly missmatched, and you can"t lay down. Seems like your selling your union and compadres, or should I say brothers a little short- maybe they are happy with the new deal? You are wrong Stinger, Topgroove would throw you under a bus in a NY minute-

[Viperexaf]

been awhile since i had last been on, but when i got the phone calls offerin 50 an hr out in the new england area then figured grid went on strike. Told em where they could put their 50 an hr cause i wasn't interested, not worth crossing any picket lines. Looks of things then shit is startin to hit the fan, hopefully it won't last that long but never know. good luck brothers

[topgroove]

You may have jumped the gun? I have been on the negotiating end of contract talks and your not grossly missmatched, and you can"t lay down. Seems like your selling your union and compadres, or should I say brothers a little short- maybe they are happy with the new deal? You are wrong Stinger, Topgroove would throw you under a bus in a NY minute-

Don't worry Stinger this is coming from king rat... You remember... the guy who crossed NSTAR's picket line on a storm! after we called him on it he insisted he did nothing wrong.

[topgroove]

UWUA Local 322 approves Strike Authorization Vote against National Grid

By UWUA 369
Created 04/20/2007 - 2:14pm
The membership of Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) Local 322 based in Munson, MA has joined with the Braintree-based UWUA Local 369 and others in authorizing a strike vote against National Grid if a contract is not reached by May 11 when their present contract expires. Local 322 joins Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) Locals 330 (Worcester) and 329 (Hopedale), along with UWUA Local 369 (Braintree) and Local 310 (Providence) in a show of solidarity as the contract expiration approaches. Paul Morrison, President of Local 322, said that his union voted 100% to authorize the strike. He joins Matt Weldon, President of Local 330 (Worcester), Joe Arcudi, President of Local 329 (Hopedale), and Gary Sullivan, President of Local 369 (Braintree) in this vote. In Rhode Island, Local 310 headed by Phil Bowe has also approved a strike in the event that a contract agreement is not reached. Local 317 of Beverly is scheduled to vote later this month. Sullivan’s union workers from Malden, Brockton, Hanover, Quincy and a number of other communities to the north and south of Boston are now joined by workers from Worcester, Hopedale, Munson (Springfield area) and Providence in a united front should National Grid not provide a contract. Morrison echoed the thoughts of his fellow union leaders in noting that progress has not been made, and cited reliability and customer/worker safety as key concerns. “No one really benefits from a work stoppage,” said Morrison, adding, “We have been very clear about our concerns, have laid them out on the table, and ask National Grid to negotiate in good faith with us. It is in everyone’s best interests to have an agreement that addresses these concerns, and one that it settled sooner rather than later.” He added, “We owe it to our members to be ready for a work stoppage if necessary. And we owe it to the National Grid customers to speak out on safety and reliability issues and to let them know that we care about these matters.”
Source URL:
http://www.buwcouncil.org/uwua_local_322_approves_strike_authorization_vote_ against_national_grid (http://www.buwcouncil.org/uwua_local_322_approves_strike_authorization_vote_ against_national_grid)

[topgroove]

To: All Uwua Members At National Grid
From: Bargaining Committee 4-27-07
Subject: Contract Negotiation Update
The U.w.u.a. Locals Have Met With National Grid On A Daily Basis At The Crown Plaza Hotel In Worcester. We Have Exchanged Proposals And Are Now Debating Each One. The Company Is Proposing Major Take-a-ways To Our Existing Contract In The Following Areas (to Name A Few):
Health Benefits Retirement Benefits
Sick Pay 401k
Life Insurance Storm Restoration
Overtime Response Rate Contractors
Vacation Policy Seniority
Rest Time Wage Reduction
Post Retirment Medical Fitness For Duty
Nothing Has Been Agreed To And We Are Still Very Far Apart. We Have Also Been Meeting With The Ibew At An Attempt To Stay On The Same Page And Remain United.
There Have Been Numerous Rumors During The Negotiations, Such As The Unions Turned Down A Contract Extension. This Rumor And Others Are Not True And Could Be Managements’ Attempt At Dividing Us. If You Hear A Rumor Notify Your Local Immediately!
We Met With Oneill And Assc., Our Consultant On Public Relations, On Friday April 27, 2007. Together We Completed Our Strategy In The Event That National Grid Continues To Be Unreasonable In These Negotiations.
All Members That Belong To A Committee Are Reminded To Complete Their Tasks As Soon As Possible And Report To Your Respective Local.
We Will Continue Weekly Updates Unless Something Unusual Or Major Occurs. Thank You All Again For Your Solidarity And Patience While We Fight Corporate Greed.
Remember United We Bargain Divided We Beg!

[Tim Morrissey]

To all the Grid guys,

You have to keep an eye out in field where the Grid could leave stock at remote locations for contractors. This will give you an idea of what to watch if you end up in a work stoppage. Also keep an eye on the local Hotels for bucket trucks. around May 11th.
You boys are going to have to follow the contractors from their hotels to the work locations so you can shut them down.
The Grid will probably try and get out of state contractors in hopes that they do not hear about The potential labor dispute (if it comes to that)

N-Star went al the way to Canada for Contractors after they had no luck getting contractors in the neighboring states.

Mitt Romney Made sure that the Canadian contractors bypassed homeland security at the border (republican bastard) so they could get down here and help big business try and squash the Union.
The good thing is we have a democrat in the Statehouse now so this bull shit shouldn't happen again.

Good luck boys!! I will be Picketing with you or i will be at the Hall answering phones

[loodvig]

I would think the IBEW would have made some kind of a statement by now! WTF?

[topgroove]

I would think the IBEW would have made some kind of a statement by now! WTF? Thats one of the most frustrating things. You never hear anything from the international IBEW which is representing some of the grid workers. at least with the UWUA you get some sort of updates. When I check into my local IBEW website it hasen't been updated in years and never has any usefull info on it unless its something they want the rank and file to do .

[Stinger]

hey loodvig, make sure you know where all the contractor jobs and show-ups are so can get a picket sign there with a body attached to it. We have already been asked by some FCC's if lu 104 is going to work project work. We told no way, the picket will insure it. Do not give into the Greed, they are trying to screw you guys.

[KingRat]

hey loodvig, make sure you know where all the contractor jobs and show-ups are so can get a picket sign there with a body attached to it. We have already been asked by some FCC's if lu 104 is going to work project work. We told no way, the picket will insure it. Do not give into the Greed, they are trying to screw you guys.

Atta Boy Stinger, that"s showing some real backbone-Why don"t you park all your rigs in one location and just tell grid your not working until the contract is settled?

[Bull Dog]

Ok fells we had the international sitting right at the table with us. When they understood the union was not going to take a stand they went away. Can you blame them. We are losing our core benefits not beacuse of the international its cause most locals wont stand up for there benefits im sorry to say. So get used to it there all going bye bye as we have known them and will be replaced with something more to the liking of the upper management. Its our fault but they will provide us with something they will call a good package. You will be responsable to provide your own retirement and everything else when they get done. I hate to be so pesamistic but I saw it happen were im at and now that there fangs are wet they will want more blood. All the company CEOS have met on this and have a plan and I can guarantee you wont like what they came up with. The international tould us they, the company CEOS, know each other and talk about this. Good luck I hope your union will take a stand and stop this before every local gives away the farm.

[loodvig]

BullDog;

Are you saying the international has left the talks?

[Bull Dog]

Its over now-But before it was yes he left. He was Barrys personel rep and reported directly to him. Like I said He did what he could but fellas its our unions! International cant vote for us.

[loodvig]

What do you mean by it's over now? What's over now?

[Bull Dog]

What I mean is we took a bad contract and that was that.

[tolex42]

Its over now-But before it was yes he left. He was Barrys personel rep and reported directly to him. Like I said He did what he could but fellas its our unions! International cant vote for us.

Couldn't have been Barry's Rep. He hasn't been President for about 8 years and he's been dead for about 3 years

[Bull Dog]

Ok sorry not berry who ever is the top dog now. That is the one he represented. I just thought of him cause he was for so long i guess. He reported directly to the international that is what he told us.

[KingRat]

What I mean is we took a bad contract and that was that.Now I"m confused:confused:

[loodvig]

Now I"m confused:confused:

Ya! Me too! Please forgive us, for being a little slow Mr. BullDog, But who took a bad contract? Do you mean N.Y.? Do you mean the UWUA? For gods sake put a little effort into this and tell us what your talking about.

[Irishup]

Talks are not over yet with the grid. They have asked that when their employees leave work 5-11-07 that they leave their tools co ids and wb keys at their local shops. I dont know what this is all about but it can only create bad blood.

[Stinger]

Hey Rat, all our rigs are parked in one spot. My point being is that if the NG does strike, they need to cover all their bases to absolutly insure no works NG. They may try and bring other contractors to work our job site/projects. The NG asked Hawkeye, Harlan, and thiro if we would provide some stand-by crews for tonight, thursday, and friday in case of trouble and their people would not resopond. The unified answer was not no but hell no. We are not going to be used by NG to screw their people during negotiations. I understand one of the issues in the negotiations is that the local unions do not want contractors on the property at all. I know that there are some in the NG locals who make it a routine habit of throwing us under the bus everyday. Thats their business, but I hope they understand that despite that our union will stand to support them and stand with them in this matter. If after all our support, and they are successful in their negotiations, if they still want to throw us under the bus, oh well, that is the way it is for some folks. Most the NG hands I know are stand-up men and good hands who do not have a problem with union contractors. To the NG hands, good luck, I hope you prevail in most of your areas. But let me say this, whether the NG locals like or not, the contractors are here to stay and as soon as you retire you can right over to our hall, present your local ticket and get one from us aqnd go right to work, we are glad to have you.

[maddog369]

Thanks Stinger. We are making some progress but still very far apart with just 2 days to go. Rumor is 100 scab lineman are @ Milbury training center being evaluated. Nobody wants a strike but we are well prepared if we have to. Thanks for support and hope you guys can assist in fight against a $60 billion National Greed if it comes to a strike.

[KingRat]

Thanks Stinger. We are making some progress but still very far apart with just 2 days to go. Rumor is 100 scab lineman are @ Milbury training center being evaluated. Nobody wants a strike but we are well prepared if we have to. Thanks for support and hope you guys can assist in fight against a $60 billion National Greed if it comes to a strike. Thanks for the feedback stinger- Topgroove, I"d like to retract that statement I made earlier because if you have bulldog on your team the results are not in your favor-Keep working maddog and good luck.

[Bull Dog]

Just wanted to chime in here and wish you all the best. From what I hear it dosent sound good. Believe me i know what you all are going through. I just hope things turn out better there then they did here. Sorry about the confusion next time ill try and be more clear.
Again my best to all and hopfully if it happens it will be short.

[Sadgiraffe]

Thank you Bull Dog. A lot of informational meetings going on this week. Hopefully something will come out in a positive note. Thanks again.

[maddog369]

Looks good for 369. 4 year deal, no takeaways,first year bump up to higher N.Y. rate, and 3 percent for following 3 years. Main. program, improvements to health and pension etc... All good for now. Thanks to all concerned.

[Stinger]

To all you Grid guys, I am glad to hear the good news on your contracts. Big load of ya'll shoulders. Stay safe.!!

[loodvig]

Looks good for 369. 4 year deal, no takeaways,first year bump up to higher N.Y. rate, and 3 percent for following 3 years. Main. program, improvements to health and pension etc... All good for now. Thanks to all concerned.

How much higher was the N.Y. rate?

[maddog369]

Hotstick lineman in N.Y. is about $1.00 more an hour than first class in Ma. C.L. is about the same. Seems 1/class may be getting $2 raise. Will learn more this week.

[loodvig]

So when do you vote on this offer?

[KingRat]

So when do you vote on this offer?

Hey loodvig, they are pretty tight on the information:D

[jerseyslave]

The pressures off... They got an offer and gotta get back to normal living...

Bless em, no one wants to strike, everyone loses.

[loodvig]

Hey loodvig, they are pretty tight on the information:D

I see what you mean!

[dungnfam]

Details of the tentative agreement are as follows:

- 4 year contract with a 3% GWI in each year plus a 2% bonus in the first
year as well parity with any higher wages in NY.
- Staffing increases over the term of the contract.
- Protective Contractor language.
- Prev. Maint. Program
- Seniority maintained
- Response to overtime improvements
-Benefit improvements:
- 80%-20% split on PPO contribution from 67%-33%
- Dental – increase cap from $1000 to $2000 with 80%-20% split on
contribution from 67%-33%
- Pension increase from .8% to 1% on the back end over 30 year
calculation
- 401k – Employee contribution option on gross or base pay
- Vacation improvement – starting in year 11 accrue 1 day additional per
year until year 15 and a formula to add to vacation pay by counting
overtime. .



The union kicked the companies ass. Some guys are getting as much as a $4 per hour raise.