The UWUA’s Brotherhood of Utility Workers (BUW) ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement in April, covering nearly 2,000 National Grid workers across BUW Locals 317, 322, 329, 330, and UWUA Local 369 — including multiple bargaining units within Local 369 — across New England. The agreement delivers strong economic and contractual gains while maintaining a focus on long-term stability and operational effectiveness.
The contract, which runs through May 2030, was reached ahead of the May 11 expiration date following several months of negotiations that began in late December.
Led by BUW President Daniel Leary — who also serves as president of UWUA Local 369 — the union negotiating team represented a broad cross-section of workers, from line crews and mechanics to engineers, customer service representatives, and call center employees. These members perform a wide array of utility work, ensuring the safe and reliable delivery of energy to homes and businesses throughout the region. In total, more than 30 union representatives participated at the bargaining table, reflecting the size and complexity of the workforce and the agreement itself.
“This is a large, diverse group doing every facet of utility work,” Leary said. “We had to make sure the agreement worked for everyone.”
Despite the scale of the negotiations, the process remained productive. National Grid sought operational changes in several areas, and the union worked to ensure that any adjustments were balanced with appropriate improvements for members. The discussions were detailed and, at times, lengthy, reflecting both the size of the bargaining unit and the importance of the issues at stake.
“We were able to achieve meaningful economic gains in exchange for those changes,” Leary said.
The agreement includes annual wage increases across the life of the contract, along with additional targeted adjustments tied to specific job classifications and operational needs. While the exact details vary across units, the overall package reflects steady, responsible gains that recognize the essential nature of the work performed by BUW members, while also maintaining balance in a region where energy costs remain a significant public concern.
In addition to wages, the contract delivers a number of important improvements in benefits and working conditions. Notably, members will now have access to a new vision care program — an enhancement that had not previously been part of the benefits package.
Other gains include increases in shift differentials, clothing allowances, and meal stipends, along with updates to medical plan design and continued employer contributions to health and dental coverage. These improvements, while incremental in some cases, collectively enhance quality of life for members across all classifications and help ensure that workers are supported both on and off the job.
The agreement also reflects continued emphases on training, safety, and workforce development. Provisions related to educational reimbursement, operational practices, and job classifications were updated to better align with the evolving needs of the utility and its workforce. These updates position the membership to meet future demands while maintaining the high standards of service expected across the region.
The contract was ratified by overwhelming margins across the Brotherhood locals, reflecting strong member support and unity throughout the process.
For Leary, that level of support reflects both the strength of the agreement and the collaborative effort behind it.
“When you have that many people at the table and that many members involved, it takes time,” he said. “But in the end, we were able to deliver a contract that provides stability and recognizes the work our members do every day.”
The new agreement also reinforces job security for the duration of the contract — an important factor in an industry facing ongoing change, regulatory pressures, and increasing public scrutiny around energy costs.
“This contract gives our members four years of security and a path forward,” Leary said. “That’s what we set out to achieve.”
Looking ahead, the Brotherhood is already back at the table with National Grid, this time negotiating a new contract for gas members. While those discussions are underway, the immediate focus remains on implementing the electric agreement and building on the strong foundation it provides.