To:              All Local 369 Members at the Northboro Call Center
From:         The Executive Board
Subject:     New Call Center Gas Work

Subject:        New Call Center Gas Work

The Local met with the Company on Thursday, June 21, 2007, on the issue of gas calls being handled in Northboro.  The Company informed the local that they intend on performing this new work in both Northboro and Syracuse.  Their intent is to initially train 20 members in Northboro and 20 Call Center Reps in Syracuse for Gas calls.

The Company informed us that they are taking this tact for operational consolidation purposes.  Their reasoning is first in the fact that they intend on having fewer than the nine (9) present call centers.  Secondly, they intend on eventually training all Call Center Reps in all locations on Gas & Electric calls.

The Local and the Company agreed that members would be polled and trained for these jobs by seniority.  It is also understood that if their numbers are not met by voluntary bidding, positions may be forced from the bottom of the roster.

The Local also proposed to negotiate a new rate for this work in addition to the provisions under the Business Development Bonus section of the contract.  The Company does not agree that a new rate should be negotiated at this time because they believe it is covered under the current contract.  The Local informed National Grid we would be pursuing a new rate through the grievance procedure.

The Local was also informed that:

• The members from Cumberland RI would be starting in Northboro sometime in August 2007.
• The Company has no plans, at this time, to move the back office work out of Cumberland RI.
• The Company will inform us on the final list of members coming to Northboro as soon as the list is finalized.
• The Company will meet with the Local on reviewing possibilities of new shifts.

Although the Local is disappointed that a new rate was not negotiated we do view this as an opportunity for Northboro to solidify its standing in the National Grid system.  We go into this with positive emotions and we will let the grievance speak for a new rate.

Anyone with questions please contact Nancy Wentworth or Bill Carr.