Union Says Tentative Deal Reached With Con Ed

Consolidated Edison and a union representing nearly 9,000 of the utility’s workers reached a tentative agreement today that averted a potential strike during the peak of summer when the threat of blackouts looms large.The deal followed contract talks that the spokesman for the union described as “extremely contentious.” A spokesman for Local 1-2 of the Utility Workers of America, Joe Flaherty, said the two sides bargained late into the night over a range of issues, including wages, safety, and health care.One of the major sticking points for the union — Con Edison’s proposal to switch from traditional pensions to a 401(K)-style plan for new employees — was scrapped by the utility at the last minute, Mr. Flaherty said.“I think they fully understood that this union and its members would not stand for a change in their long traditional pension,” Mr. Flaherty said. The union represents about two-thirds of the private utility’s 14,000 employees.Con Edison said today that it had no immediate comment on the deal.The union had set an 11:59 p.m. deadline for a possible walkout. Negotiations resumed yesterday morning in Manhattan after they were suspended over the weekend when Governor Paterson intervened and suggested both sides take a cooling-off period.Mr. Paterson was concerned about the potential impact a strike would have on customers during hot weather, when air conditioners can put a burden on the grid.Most of the union’s workers maintain the utility’s gas, electric, and steam delivery systems for some 3 million customers in most of New York City and Westchester County. Con Edison came under intense criticism following a blackout in Queens two years ago that left tens of thousands of people without power during the summer.The two sides didn’t agree on what effect a strike could have had, with Mr. Flaherty arguing that a walkout would be “catastrophic,” particularly for elderly and disabled customers. Con Edison, however, had insisted it could keep the power system running smoothly during a strike.The utility had repeatedly pointed out that about half of its managers rose through its ranks and would respond to any emergencies if workers struck. However, non-emergency repairs and meter reading could be delayed, the utility had said.In 1983, a strike by the union lasted more than two months. During that strike, a 20-block area including the garment district went dark for days after a water main break started an electrical fire in a substation. The blackout forced hundreds of offices and stores to close, with well-known department stores Gimbels and Macy’s resorting to emergency generators.

Union Says Tentative Deal Reached With Con Ed

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