IBEW Local 245 (Toledo, OH) Members Vote to Resist First Energy demands

Toledo Edison Workers Approve Strike Authorization
Union workers overwhelmingly say yes, but both sides hopeful negotiations will resume.

Members of IBEW Local 245 voted Thursday night to authorize a strike, with 87 percent saying yes. It was a month ago that the union voted 90 percent against First Energy's most recent contract offer.

The vote affects nearly 600 Toledo Edison workers. First Energy officials say they're willing to sit down and talk with union negotiators on health care or other concerns, but union leaders say that's not enough. "There's a difference between sitting down and talking and sitting down and negotiating in good faith," said Larry Tscherne, IBEW Local 245 representative.

The union and First Energy say they've spoken on the phone -- and are hoping to resume negotiations soon. However, no date has been set.


Last Updated: Dec 17, 2004