CVPS, IBEW agree to five-year contract

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20081231/BUSINESS/81231022

December 31, 2008

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 300 and Central Vermont Public Service agreed to a new five-year contract today, the longest in company history, CVPS officials said.

The new contract, affecting 216 unionized employees, was approved this morning and takes effect at midnight tonight, when the existing contract expires.

“The signing of a five-year agreement between the union and the company secures further benefits on both sides to expand upon, while strengthening the working relationship that presently exists,” Local 300 Business Manager Jeff Wimette said. “The union and the company have varied interests, of course, but we struck an agreement that is good for both sides, as well as our mutual customers.”

CVPS President Bob Young praised negotiators on both sides, as well as employee Ross Schifo, who served as a neutral facilitator in the negotiations.

“Over the past several contracts, the union and the company have been able to move beyond our self interests and really look at things from each other’s side,” Young said. “That has allowed us to focus on customer needs together and ensure competitive benefits, working conditions and pay.”

The five-year contract is the fourth reached through interest-based negotiating, and the fourth straight contract approved on the first vote of the union.

FULL story at link.