Eversource NH Operators Picket for Contract

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1837 held an informational picket outside Eversource headquarters on Wednesday, August 13. The demonstration drew attention to stalled negotiations for a first contract covering System Operators in the Electrical System Control Center and the System Operations Center.

These operators, who oversee the transmission and distribution electric grids across Eversource’s New Hampshire service territory, voted to join IBEW in late 2023. After lengthy hearings, the National Labor Relations Board confirmed their eligibility for union representation.  Although these operators won the right to unionize, progress toward a first collective bargaining agreement has stalled. The delay is contributing to a growing shortage of trained operators, with employees leaving due to long hours, burnout, and difficult working conditions.

“Operators have been leaving both control centers, creating a critical shortage of trained operators,” said Tony Sapienza, Business Manager for IBEW Local 1837. “The shortage of trained operators is causing the remaining operators to have to work additional shifts. These employees are responsible for operating both the Transmission and Distribution electric grids for all of Eversource’s New Hampshire territory. These systems are incredibly important to our economy, safety, and way of life in the Granite State. Operators are highly skilled and make great sacrifices to monitor and operate these systems 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

IBEW Local 1837 is urging Eversource to return to the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith. A fair agreement, the union says, will be critical to recruiting and retaining the skilled workforce needed to keep New Hampshire’s electric system safe and reliable.