Landmark Agreement with CMP Protects and Adds Union Jobs

IBEW members will perform pole-setting in some areas under the agreement.

February 12, 2014 - IBEW Local 1837 and Central Maine Power have reached a landmark two-year settlement agreement that creates new union positions, sets base line staffing levels in each of the classification groupings, provides certain protections against layoffs, and creates new overtime opportunities in areas that are using DLI contractors. This wide-ranging agreement suspends a pending arbitration case over CMP’s use of contractors while preserving the Union’s right to grieve and arbitrate the present and future use of them.

“It took hard work and good faith on both sides of the table to make this agreement happen,” said IBEW Local 1837 Business Manager Dick Rogers. “It provides some real job security for our current members at CMP while adding plenty of good-paying union jobs to the workforce.”

Many of the 20 new union positions will be performing line work that is currently being performed by subcontractors. In addition, the agreement contains a commitment to return to having internal crews perform pole-setting work in some areas. That transition may begin as soon as the second quarter of this year and will be fully implemented by the end of the first quarter of 2015.

“While we still have areas of concerns, this agreement, along with the continued commitment of regular dialogue with the Company, should lead to more positive outcomes” Rogers continued.

As part of the agreement the Company will take the non-represented job classification of Local Representative and incorporate that into the Union-represented workforce. These seven workers will serve in the Production Unit.

“We believe that this is a very good agreement,” said IBEW Local 1837 Assistant Business Manager Bill Dunn. “It should provide some reassurance for the membership about the use of contractors without waiving our rights concerning employment protections.”  

Since the agreement was signed late last month, members have been encouraged to attend their local unit meetings or call the Union office with any questions.