National Grid customers can expect delays for nonemergency calls after the company locked out more than 1,000 union workers yesterday, but officials said management and contractors will handle crucial complaints during the stoppage.
The lockout began after National Grid officials and union leaders of United Steelworkers Locals 12003 and 12012 failed to reach a new contract Sunday, according to National Grid.
A spokeswoman said the sides could not agree on the benefit package that would apply to new hires going forward, but a statement gas workers put out last night after voting to authorize a strike claimed National Grid was looking to cut health care benefits and change how overtime is allocated.
A spokesman for Mayor Martin J. Walsh said he’s offered assistance to the two sides as they negotiate. But union leaders slammed the lockout as being unsafe for Bay State residents.
“National Grid is jeopardizing the safety of our communities by locking out 1,100 of its most experienced employees who are critical to ensuring safe and quality gas work in Massachusetts,” Local 12003 President Joe Kirylo and Local 12012 President John Buonopane said in a statement. “These workers not only protect and maintain key infrastructure, they repair dangerous gas leaks in dozens of cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth.”
National Grid Massachusetts President Marcy Reed said in a statement: “We have been bargaining in good faith for months, and we believe the benefits in our last proposal were robust.
“We are disappointed that Locals 12003 and 12012-04 were unwilling to come to an agreement before the current contracts expired. We’re committed to reaching a fair agreement, in a reasonable time frame, that balances the needs of both our employees and our customers,” she added.
National Grid officials said emergency service requests, reports of no gas and requests to turn on gas will be handled promptly, and a spokeswoman said the company is “really confident” service won’t be affected.
“We’re drawing on experienced management personnel and contractors who are all trained to maintain and repair the natural gas system,” spokeswoman Christine Milligan said.
National Grid officials said the lockout was necessary because the workers do not have a “no strike” clause in their contract. Gas workers have been publicly speaking out against the company, rallying at the State House earlier in the month.
