MEDFORD, OR (FEBRUARY 27, 2020) – Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) President Jim Slevin today released the following statement regarding negotiations between Local 609 members performing gas construction work across southwest Oregon and their employer NPL:
“Disappointingly, NPL continues to put profits over the safety of communities and our members. The company’s failure to address the issues that create safety problems threatens the public and places those who do this difficult and dangerous work in harm’s way. The company also refuses to address the fact that the workers here are underpaid and do not have basic benefits like paid holidays.”
“After three weeks of talks – including working with a federal mediator – the company has refused to address the real concerns that impact these workers in a daily basis. Our efforts to secure fair compensation and safe working conditions must be met. We will continue to fight for the safety of our members and the communities they serve because we can fight for nothing less.”
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Chartered in 1945, the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA), AFL-CIO represents 50,000 active members employed in America’s utility sectors including the electric, gas, water, and related professional and service industries. James Slevin is UWUA’s National President. For more information visit https://uwua.net.