Credit: National Grid/Facebook
BOSTON, MA (WBZ-AM) — The United Steelworkers approved a new contract agreement with National Grid Monday.
The agreement places an end to a bitter lockout that placed 1,250 workers out of work since June.
The 5 1/2 -a half year deal covers will cover the affected members across Eastern Massachusets that work in gas operations. Their old deal expired in June forcing them to be locked out and without a job ever since.
Details of the new agreement were not readily available however according to National Grid, the new contract includes pension increases for current employees, wage increases, full health insurance cost-sharing and improvements from the company’s original offer to new hire benefits, such as retiree medical, sick leave, and life insurance.
Full Statement from Local 12012, and John Kirylo, president of USW Local 12003, on the ratification of a new contract agreement with National Grid.
Additionally, a stand-down order made by the Department of Public Utilities for all non-emergency work after allegations of unsafe work being done were made was also lifted.
"We are very proud of our members who stood together over the past six months. National Grid's decision to lock out 1250 of its most experienced employees last June caused significant hardship for so many residents, businesses and communities through Massachusetts. Our first priority is the safety of our communities and we look forward to returning to our crucial work of providing the safe natural gas service the Commonwealth of Massachusetts deserves," said John Buonopane, president of USW Local 12012, and Joe Kirylo, president of USW Local 12003 through a joint statement.
Workers will be returning to work the week of January 20.
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