In another attempt to take more from workers, members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 1837 are on the verge of a possible strike.
IBEW 1837 Members at the New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC) have been negotiating for a new contract at the Company since mid-April. Although NHEC is on sound financial footing and their top five executives each earn over a million dollars year. The NHEC wants to make big cuts in the retirement benefits of IBEW members - benefits that were promised to these workers when they were hired years ago. NHEC is ready to pull the rug out from under these workers.
The Union and the Company were asked by a Federal Mediator to extend the contract until this Friday, October 2, in the hope that an agreement can be reached and a strike avoided.
The NHEC Board of Directors needs to hear from their customers now - members of the NHEC - people who live in the towns they serve. If you are a NHEC customer, please call or email one, two, or all of the Board members listed below and tell them you support the union members at the NHEC. Let them know you think:
* The IBEW workers at NHEC are among the best in the state and the best in the electrical industry. Their work can be difficult and dangerous, often in the worst weather possible.
* NHEC is breaking a promise they made to their workers when they were hired to provide them with retirement security.
* NHEC is in good financial condition and the cuts are unnecessary.
* A strike would cause lasting damage to the workers, NHEC, and our communities.
When you call or email, be respectful but make your feelings known. If emailing or leaving a voice mail message, please be sure to include your name and address.
New Hampshire Electric Cooperative Board of Directors
Earl Hansen, Chair
603-968-3589 or efhansen@aol.com
Charles Braxton, Secretary
(603) 677-2154 or cbraxton@metrocast.net
David C. Talbot, Assistant Treasurer
(603) 745-8899 or dtalbot61@hotmail.com
Sharon L. Davis, Treasurer
(603) 536-1299 or pepper@eagle1st.com
Joan Aubrey, Board Member
(603) 383-4127 or jepaubrey@gmail.com
Joseph Kwasnik, Board Member
(603) 730 7148 or jkwasnik25@gmail.com
Jerry Hopkins, Vice Chair
603-253-4365 (home) or 603-520-8982 (cell)
Georgie Thomas, Board Member
603-726-3011 or gthomas1143@roadrunner.com
Harry Viens, Board Member
Cell (203) 641-3446 or hviens@earthlink.net
Kenneth Colburn, Board Member
(603) 279-0770
Bruce Wiggett, Board Member
603-238-6662