The BUW Council please to report that we have reached a tentative agreement with national grid. The bargaining committee thanks the membership for their support and preparedness. Because all the members of all the locals were prepared to take on this challenge we were able to negotiate a fair and reasonable contract.

Details of the tentative agreement are as follows:

• 4 year contract with a 3% GWI in each year plus a 2% bonus in the first year as well parity with any higher wages in NY.
• Staffing increases over the term of the contract.
• Protective Contractor language.
• Prev. Maint. Program
• Seniority maintained
• Response to overtime improvements
• Benefit improvements:
• 80%-20% split on PPO contribution from 67%-33%
• Dental – increase cap from $1000 to $2000 with 80%-20% split on contribution from 67%-33%
• Pension increase from .8% to 1% on the back end over 30 year calculation
• 401k – Employee contribution option on gross or base pay
• Vacation improvement – starting in year 11 accrue 1 day additional per year until year 15 and a formula to add to vacation pay by counting overtime

These are just highlights of this contract. Members will be notified by their Local union as where and when details will be discussed and voting will take place. We are proud to have had the opportunity to negotiate this agreement and work with all of you. Your Solidarity and support is what made this a successful contract. You should be proud for standing up for all working men and women.