IBEW Local 19 Ratifies New Five Year Agreement with NICOR Gas

Press Release Source: Nicor Gas

IBEW Ratifies New Five-Year Agreement with Nicor Gas
Wednesday April 7, 6:04 pm ET

NAPERVILLE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 7, 2004--Nicor Gas today announced that the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 19 today ratified a new five-year agreement with the company. The contract covers the period from March 1, 2004 through February 28, 2009. IBEW Local 19 represents Nicor Gas physical and clerical bargaining units, which total about 1,600 employees.

Key components of the new agreement include wage increases of 3.5% in the first two years, and 3.25% in the following three years; increases in the pension plan and retirement growth account; changes in health care and life insurance benefits.

"IBEW has represented Nicor Gas bargaining employees throughout the company's 50- year history," said Jeff Kenyon, president of IBEW Local 19. "This contract provides not only wage and benefit increases, the five-year term - the longest we have ever had - offers an excellent level of stability for our workers."

"We're pleased with the results of the contract negotiations process and look forward to a continued positive working relationship with the leadership of Local 19," said Claudia Colalillo, senior vice president of human resources and customer care for Nicor Gas.

Nicor Gas is one the nation's largest gas distribution companies. Owned by Nicor Inc. (NYSE:GAS - News) a holding company, Nicor Gas has provided safe, reliable and cost-effective natural gas services for 50 years. The Company serves two million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. For more information, visit the Nicor Web site at www.nicorgas.com.