Utility union to vote on contract, strike
ANDRE CHERRY; The News Tribune
Last updated: August 23rd, 2005 09:01 AM (PDT)
Union members of a small utility are scheduled to vote on a contract Thursday that could impact utility services of western Pierce County residents.
The Peninsula Light Co. is a Gig Harbor-based, member-owned utility that serves more than 25,000 residents of Gig Harbor and other communities on the Key Peninsula.
“This is not a situation that our people want to be in,” said Alice Phillips, business manager for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 483.
The union represents 67 workers – more than half of the Peninsula Light Company employees – including linemen, engineers and customer service representatives.
Two key sticking points in negotiations involve health care and annual cost of living adjustments.
“PLC wants to convert medical plans, but members have several concerns, including whether or not their doctors are on the network and medical premium sharing that isn’t being addressed,” Phillips said.
Peninsula Light representatives would not comment on the situation.
The contract to be voted on Thursday was rejected a month ago, and Phillips said she expects similar results this time.
“I believe the contract will fail again and a strike will be voted for,” Phillips said. Members also will take a strike authorization vote on Thursday.
Andre Cherry: 253-597-8650
andre.cherry@thenewstribune.com
Originally published: August 23rd, 2005 12:01 AM (PDT)
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