National Grid workers protest use of contractors

Antonio Caban/SHNS Joe Kirylo, president of Boston Gas Local 12003 United Steelworkers, voiced concern about National Grid hiring outside workers at a Wednesday protest outside the State House.

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By State House News Service

With a critical contract expiration deadline just days away, members of a local gas union representing 800 National Grid employees protested at the State House Wednesday claiming that the utility company's practice of hiring outside contractors puts the public at risk.

"We feel like it's unacceptable and it's dangerous not to have this done in house by people that have the institutional knowledge to do it," said Joe Kirylo, president of Boston Gas Local 12003 United Steelworkers, who blamed a gas main break incident in Lexington where high pressure gas was blowing into the air on outside contractors.

He continued, "If they outsource it now, the institutional knowledge is going to be lost in regards to marking out these mains. It's extremely important to keep the public safe and that's one of the main reasons we're out here today."

The union, which held protests earlier this month in Lexington, also raised issues over new wage and health benefits, saying in a statement that National Grid "seeks to push significant healthcare, benefits, wage and overtime cuts onto its gas workers." Kirylo said the utility is seeking to cut starting hourly wages for new call center employees to $14.10, down from 15.50.

The current contract expires Feb. 28.

Asked for comment, National Grid spokeswoman Mary Leah-Assad reiterated the company's position from prior statements, which noted the company's commitment to reaching a "fair and equitable contract for all parties" and confidence that its "fully qualified" contractors adhere to safety standards.