Berlin-based electric utility Connecticut Light & Power has come to terms with union leaders for a new contract, although the main issue between the sides remains unresolved.
The leaders of the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers Local 420 and 457, which represents about 1,100 CL&P employees, will recommend their members approve the plan when they vote on the measure Thursday, said John Fernandes, president of IBEW Local 457.
The union employees have worked without a contract since June 1. In October, over 95 percent of the workers rejected a contract offer by CL&P that was not endorsed by union leaders.
The leaders of Local 420 and 457 are recommending this plan even though it does not resolve the long-disputed issue of staffing levels, particularly among the lineman ranks. CL&P wants to have about 440 linemen while the union is requesting significantly more. The contract being pushed forward on Thursday does not address the issue.
“That fight continues,” Fernandes said. “They refuse to bargain a proper staffing level.”
The new contract does include pay raises, changes to the overtime rules, and solidification of job descriptions.
