Workers at National Grid center authorize a strike
Local 369 of the Utility Workers Union of America said 125 workers at a National Grid PLC call center in Northborough have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike if a new contract is not agreed to.
The existing contract with National Grid, which supplies gas and electricity to 2.1 million customers in Massachusetts, is set to expire March 31, Local 369 said.
According to the union, the two sides are divided over "stressful and unsafe working conditions," cuts in benefits and wages, and outsourcing.
National Grid spokeswoman Jackie Barry said, "We are in negotiations with the union, and our goal is to successfully reach an agreement that is fair to employees, customers, and the company."
In August, National Grid, a British energy giant, completed a $7.3 billion acquisition of KeySpan Corp., the Brooklyn company that supplied gas to many Massachusetts customers.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)
