National Grid, Union Reach Tentative Accord

Unionized utility workers for National Grid in Massachusetts and Rhode Island have reached a tentative agreement with the company on a new contract, according to a statement from a union official.

The agreement, which was announced Sunday morning, comes about two weeks after the union local voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike against National Grid, citing concerns over the utility's low staffing levels, inadequate storm responses and ongoing payroll issues.

National Grid serves most Central Massachusetts communities, notably Worcester, Leominster, Marlborough, Athol and the Blackstone Valley.

Union members will vote on the new contract proposal May 20, according to the statement from Dan Hurley, president of Local 369 of the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA).

The union did not disclose details of the contract, but Krista Robinson, a spokeswoman for the union, said they include "important protections" for workers on such issues as health care costs, along with protections for the communities in which National Grid operates.

"Through these ongoing negotiations and with the assistance of a federal mediator, we believe we have reached an agreement that provides important protections for our hardworking men and women and the communities that we serve," Hurley

Deborah Drew, a spokeswoman for National Grid, said the utility was "very happy" over reaching an agreement. "We're hopeful that the union membership will ratify the respective agreements," she said in an email statement. "We believe this is an agreement that meets the needs of both our employees and our customers.

Local 369 represents about 1,200 National Grid workers throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including about 250 in the Worcester area.

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