In July, Local B341 successfully organized eight workers employed by Maine Natural Gas at its Augusta and Brunswick locations. The organizing drive took place as Unitil moved to purchase Maine Natural Gas from Central Maine Power’s parent company, Avangrid. By joining the UWUA, the newly organized workers ensured they entered the acquisition with union representation and a voice on the job, rather than being absorbed into the company without protections.
In December, the local ratified a one-year extension of its contract with Unitil. With the existing agreement set to expire in April 2026, the extension provides stability during a period of transition while delivering significant wage improvements for both long-time Local B341 members and newly organized workers.
According to Local B341 Secretary Bill Perrault, management initially proposed a minimal wage increase in exchange for the extension — an offer the union rejected outright. After bargaining, the parties reached an agreement that includes an 8% increase for the former Maine Natural Gas workers to help close long-standing pay gaps, along with a 4.5% raise for existing Unitil employees.
“It doesn’t bring the new members to the same level as us because their job descriptions are a little different than ours, but it brings them close,” Perrault said. “They’ll get all the same benefits, but the company wanted a year to integrate the two companies and figure out everybody’s skills and job descriptions.”
During the extension period, the former Maine Natural Gas employees — who previously performed a wide range of duties — will be transitioned into Unitil’s more specialized departmental structure based on their skills and qualifications. The contract extension runs through April 2027, when the local plans to negotiate a full successor agreement covering all members.
By organizing first and bargaining strategically, Local B341 ensured that growth strengthened the union and positioned members for even greater gains in the next round of negotiations.