Talks with Atlantic City Electric going on now
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 02/4/06 BY JOE ZEDALIS
MANAHAWKIN BUREAU
Representatives of a union representing Atlantic City Electric workers have warned southern Ocean County municipalities there could be a strike if ongoing talks with the utility fail.
In a letter sent last month, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 210 told municipalities that its workers have been without a contract since Dec. 5 as the two sides negotiate over health benefits and other matters.
The union agreed to work under the terms of the old contract indefinitely, according to Betty Kennedy, a spokeswoman for the electric company.
Although negotiations are ongoing, the union did not rule out the possibility of a lockout or strike if contract talks break down.
Local 210 represents 540 Atlantic City Electric employees, including workers at its West Creek station. The union represents powerline and substation workers among others.
Atlantic City Electric serves several southern Ocean County communities, including Little Egg Habor, Tuckerton, Stafford, Waretown, Barnegat and Long Beach Island.
"As of Thursday, there were still several important issues left on the table that were unresolved," said Charles Hill, the business manager for Local 210. "The company has taken a strong position on what they want out of the negotiations, and we are still talking. We have not reached a breaking point . . . yet."
Hill said the union has established a strategic negotiation and a strike committee to be prepared for a work stoppage.
Hill said the union is attempting to maintain current health and benefit packages for active and retired employees. The utility is looking to change employee contribution levels.
Also of concern to the union is the unresolved status of the B.L. England Generating Station at Beesley's Point in Cape May County. According to Hill, the utility informed the state it would like to close the plant and cease operations or put it up for sale.
The union represents 95 workers at the England station, which is on Great Egg Harbor Bay.
Kennedy said the auction for the England Station continues.
"We expect resolutions at the end of this quarter," she said. "The expectation is that we can find a buyer for the plant. If not, we have notified the (state) Board of Public Utilities the plant will be closed in December 2007."
Hill said: "We tried to resolve the England plant issues 18 months ago by negotiating a package for employees if the plant closed. We don't want the people to just be put out on the street without severance or health care."
Kennedy said the status of the 95 union workers at the England plant is part of the current negotiations.
"We have not even talked about percentages of salary increases yet," Hill said.
Some 1,350 IBEW members employed by Jersey Central Power & Light Co. went on strike Dec. 8, 2004. The walkout ended on March 15, 2005.
Joe Zedalis (609) 978-4582 or joeze@app.com.
Copyright © 2006 Asbury Park Press. All rights reserved.
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