Strike averted at Mass. energy plants

A union said today that it has reached a tentative agreement that could avert a strike at generating plants in Everett and Weymouth.

The Utility Workers Union of America Local 369 said its members will vote March 7 on whether to ratify a tentative agreement reached yesterday between its negotiating team and Boston Generating, the company that operates the Fore River plant in Weymouth and the Mystic 8 and 9 units in Everett.

Several weeks ago, workers had authorized a strike against Boston Generating that could have taken effect as early as this morning if an agreement had not been reached, the local said.

According to Local 369, both sides have agreed to a five-year contract that calls for annual wage increases, better pension benefits, and improved contract language regarding seniority and scheduling.

"Both Boston Generating and Local 369 worked very hard to reach this agreement," a spokesman for Boston Generating said in a statement. "We appreciate the professionalism and good faith of the union negotiating team and of the members of Local 369, and we are looking forward to the successful culmination of our efforts in a ratification vote."
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)