As a State Assemblyman and
Member of the NYS Assembly Energy Committee, I support the 8,500 members of Locals 1 and 2
Utility Workers of America who have been locked out in their fight for a fair
contract with Con Edison.
Certainly no one wants to see
electric service disrupted to homes and businesses of New York’s 3.2 million Con Ed customers
this summer, but no one should blame union leaders for advocating for their workers since this is, in
fact, the time of year when their union contract has been set to expire. As we enter the height of the
summer season, New Yorkers are at great risk of a heat wave leading to black outs and other life or death
emergencies. Now is not the time to exacerbate this risk by locking out workers who are trained and
ready to address any situation that may arise.
I am respectfully requesting
Con Ed’s administration to bring these workers back to their positions
and that they work with union
leaders, return to the bargaining table and negotiate a fair contract in good faith.
While the economy has
continued a slow rebound, Con Edison has seen increased rates and has been cited for having one of the
country’s highest paid Chief Executive. None of which helps their
argument in seeking these steep
demands from the hard working men and women who keep Con Ed running.
My District Leader, Mr.
Michael Robles, a hard working member of this union, is an active National Guardsmen, and a father of
three beautiful children who has earned the right to provide for his children and to enjoy this
Independence Day celebrating the greatness of our country. Neither Mr. Robles
nor any of his colleagues should
have to spend their time on any picket line.
The responsible thing for
all parties is for negotiations to continue while these individuals remain on
the job.
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