Labor Contract Remains in Effect for Linemen across Southern New Jersey
CARNEYS POINT– Atlantic City Electric assured customers that the company will continue to provide customer service regardless of Local 1238’s decision to strike at noon today.
Operations will be handled by non-union employees and contractors until an agreement is reached.
Local 1238 represents 171 members of the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers at the company’s customer care center in Carneys Point, Salem County.
The bargaining unit does not represent unionized field personnel who handle electric transmission and distribution work across southern New Jersey. Field personnel are represented by a different bargaining unit whose contract remains in effect and there should be no impact from the strike on electric service.
The parties had been working under a contract that was scheduled to expire Feb. 1 but was extended indefinitely to allow for negotiations. The bargaining unit recently rejected the company’s last, best and final offer. The union has cancelled the extended contract and at noon today began a strike.
“We’ve made fair and responsible offers that were rejected,” said Vince Maione, President, Atlantic City Electric Region. “We’re open to discussion and believe that we can resolve our differences. Until we reach an agreement, however, we’re going to remain open for business and continue to serve our customers.”
The primary issues are pension benefits, where the proposed changes do not impact the majority of existing union members. The company is not proposing any changes in the level of medical benefits or job security for existing employees.
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