When Dominion Energy announced the intended sale of its Ohio operation to Canada-based Enbridge last September, Local G-555 leadership immediately began negotiating terms to protect members’ pay, benefits and working conditions.
In February, the local sent a letter to its membership detailing the results of these efforts. First, Enbridge agreed to assume all obligations under the current collective bargaining agreement, which is in effect until June 15, 2027. Second, through negotiations with Dominion, the union secured two unprecedented benefit enhancements:
- A one-time contribution of $23,000 to the 401(k) account of each active employee represented by the union, regardless of seniority.
- A one-time increase of 8% to retiree benefits for all those who retired before February 19, 2024. It goes into effect in September but will be retroactive to April 1. In September, retirees will receive a check for the retroactive bump. The increase also will be provided to those individuals who are considered “deferred” — those vested but not currently receiving pension benefits — once they begin to collect.
G-555 President Eddie Hall reported receiving countless messages from both retirees and active members over the payout: “Many had trouble believing it’s real, but I assured them it is. They’re blown away with excitement.”
With 1,019 active members and 1,622 retirees/surviving spouses, these two enhancements represent a payout of approximately $44 million. Both enhancements were contingent on the sale closing, which occurred on March 7 when Dominion Energy Ohio was sold to Enbridge Inc. and became Enbridge Gas Ohio.
Now that the sale is complete, Hall is optimistic about working with the new owner: “Dominion was primarily an electric company. Enbridge is a gas company, and they understand our business and where we need to go to keep growing.”