Jun 11, 2002 By James Pletcher 3 min read

Workers at Allegheny Energy have ratified a new five-year contract. About 75 percent of the employees, members of the Utility Workers of America Union System Local 102 (UWUA), voted to accept the new contract, which contains unspecified wage increases, improvements in health care benefits and retirement and a “much improved grievance and arbitration process,’ according to William J. Sterner, Local 102 president.

Sterner said the agreement covers power station workers, lines, substation and meter readers, stores, delivery personnel and organized clerical workers in Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia.

Union members have been working under the terms of their prior agreement, which expired May 1, 2001. Sterner thanked the membership for their determination and solidarity during a lengthy negotiation process. The employees had given their negotiating committee the approval to call a strike when it deemed necessary.

“Despite very difficult circumstances, our members chose to stay on the job and avoid a work stoppage. Our members take their jobs very seriously. The work is both dangerous and difficult, especially during storm emergencies,’ Sterner said.

He also praised other unions and the general public for their support during talks. Numerous signs protesting Allegheny Energy’s position in the talks were posted in private residential yards in this and other areas served by the utility. “The AFL-CIO was very instrumental in communicating with other affiliated unions. This was definitely a team effort,’ Sterner said.

“We are pleased that this issue has now been resolved and that the UWUA System Local 102 members have ratified what we believe is a fair contract for our employees and our company,’ Robert Summers, Allegheny Energy’s chief negotiator, said.

“We value our employees and recognize the important role they play in ensuring that we provide low-cost, reliable energy with industry-leading service to our customers,’ Summers added.

Sterner said the vote was 676 members in favor of the contract and 233 against.

Union members of Local 102’s 17 branch locals have been meeting since May 10 to consider and vote on the contract. Negotiators had reached a tentative agreement on a new contract in late April. UWUA System Local 102 members participated in membership ratification meetings during May and early this month.

“The utility industry is in turmoil right now,’ Sterner said, “not just here, but all across the country.

“Staffing levels for skilled positions, which take a minimum of five years training, are at pre-1996 levels. Out-of-state contractors are not the answer. It is past time to hire a new generation of young workers from the communities in which Allegheny Energy sells electricity. Our union will remain at the forefront to keep good quality jobs while providing safe, affordable electric service to the public,’ he said.