Contact: Michael Sherry, 617-646-1026
WHAT: Boston Gas workers with United Steelworkers Locals 12003 and 12012, who have been locked out of job sites by National Grid following its failure to negotiate fairly with union representatives, will convene outside of National Grid locations in Braintree, Dorchester, Lowell, Malden, and Waltham to highlight the unfair and reckless negotiating tactics of the company.
The gas workers’ current contract expired June 24th, after National Grid refused to compromise on a contract that respected both public safety and economic justice. Though Locals 12003 and 12012 offered to continue working while bargaining continued, ensuring that critical gas work was conducted by trained and experienced employees, National Grid chose to lock its employees out of their facilities and rely on a combination of contractors and management staff, neither of whom have the experience with live gas lines required to ensure public safety.
Workers will also stand up against National Grid’s proposals to reduce healthcare benefits, eliminate pensions for new hires, and cut wage protections that thousands of middle-class families rely on. The proposed cuts come at a time when National Grid is seeking tens of millions of additional dollars from Massachusetts consumers in its upcoming rate case, and as the company has received a major tax cut from the Trump Administration.
USW Locals 12003 and Local 12012 represent about 1,250 gas workers in more than 85 Massachusetts cities and towns.
WHO: Joe Kirylo, president of USW Local 12003
John Buonopane, president of USW Local 12012
National Grid employees that are members of USW Locals 12003 and 12012
WHEN: 7:30 a.m. – 7:00 pm Tuesday, June 26, 2018
WHERE: 220 Victory Road
Boston, MA
39 Quincy Ave
Braintree, MA
775 King St
Lowell, MA
100 Commercial St
Malden, MA
100 Medford St
Malden, MA
160 Newton St
Waltham, MA
40 Sylvan Road
Waltham MA