IBEW Local 97 (Syracuse NY) Rallies to Support Niagra-Mohawk Power Employees

NiMo workers plan rally to bolster talks
Electrical union in first negotiations with new owner National Grid

By SARA CLEMENCE , Business writer
First published: Friday, October 1, 2004
With tough contract talks between Niagara Mohawk and labor negotiators going into their seventh week, the union representing thousands of NiMo workers will hold a rally in Syracuse on Saturday.

After a brief breakdown in discussions last week, bargainers are back at the table, haggling over issues such as pensions, retiree benefits, outside contractors and -- in particular -- health care. But both sides have said they are prepared to handle a strike.

"Our people are always hopeful," said Kirk Campbell, business representative Electrical Workers. "We've never had a strike on this company's property. But we never worked for National Grid before."

This is the first contract renegotiation since the British firm National Grid Transco plc bought the Syracuse-based utility in 2001.

"Niagara Mohawk's goal is to reach a contract with the union that continues to provide competitive, desirable wages and benefits, and brings the union's benefits in line with their co-workers," said Al Bianchetti, NiMo spokesman, reading a prepared statement. "We continue to negotiate, but as a prudently run business we're prepared for all possible outcomes."

The union's 4,000 NiMo members make up three-quarters of the company's New York work force. That includes about 1,100 in the eastern part of the state, reaching from Gloversville in the west to the Massachusetts border in the east, north to Indian Lake and south to Hudson.

The two sides have been negotiating since Aug. 26, according to the union's Web site. The three-year contract was set to expire Thursday, but was extended until Oct. 16.

The last rally, held in 1996, drew more than 3,000 workers, a union representative said.

"I believe it is imperative to demonstrate to Niagara Mohawk that our members stand united in our cause," David Falletta, president of Local Union 97, said in a written statement.

Sara Clemence can be reached at 454-5476 or by e-mail at sclemence@timesunion.com.

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