Local 369, in preparation for a contract with National Grid, started as soon as Local 654 voted to merge with Local 369. Members from National Grid were immediately introduced to our Strategic Plan and all that is entailed with preparing for contract negotiations. I want to commend the members from National Grid and their leadership for so willingly and passionately embracing the Strategic Plan.

The next step in the process was meeting with all the other Locals involved in this contract. There were six UWUA Locals and five IBEW Locals. What appeared to be a daunting task actually went very smoothly. It was decided early that the UWUA and IBEW would negotiate separately, however there would be an observer in each others negotiating sessions. Once it was decided that we would negotiate separately the UWUA Locals voted to have Local 369 take the lead on contract/strike preparation.

From that point the rest is amazing history. In meetings with the company I observed a dedicated and well informed bargaining committee make point after point on issues that were important to our members. I’m impressed at the long hours and hard work that went into this contract. It was an honor to be part of this process and I want to thank the bargaining committees from every Local and I especially want to thank the National Grid Members and the entire Membership for their support, which sealed the deal on this contract. Congratulations to all on another successful negotiation.

Please have a wonderful summer.