N.H. Electric Co-op Lineworkers Consider Strike

The union representing New Hampshire Electric Cooperative lineworkers says it is considering a strike.

Both sides have held 17 bargaining sessions since mid-April and have been unable to produce an agreement. A five-year contract that expired Sunday.

The Citizen reports International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Assistant Business Manager Tom Ryan said the union and the co-op were asked by a federal mediator to extend the contract until Friday in the hope a new agreement can be brokered. Negotiators are scheduled to meet again Thursday.

Ryan said proposed cuts in retirement benefits of IBEW workers is what started the dispute.

In a statement Monday, NHEC President Fred Anderson said outstanding issues between the parties were matters of compensation, specifically wages and pensions.

IBEW Local 1837 represents 90 employees at NHEC.