Con Edison utilities threaten strike if no agreement is reached with union and energy giant

EAST VILLAGE, Manhattan (WABC) – It’s been a long, exhausting, hot week with lots of air conditioning on full blast – and it’s not even July yet. If there was a power outage, the utilities would be the first to respond, but thousands of them are prepared to walk off the job if their union can’t reach an agreement with Con Ed – that union is putting increasing pressure on the energy giant.

“In my opinion, they are playing a dangerous game with the public and the people of the New York area, and now is not the time for that,” said Local 1-2 representative Michael Pena.

Pena has spent many hours at the negotiating table, but he is running out of time to give his workers the wages and benefits he believes they deserve.

“We are more than just indispensable because electricity, the power grid – supplying people with energy is of utmost importance,” adds Pena.

Con Ed substations, like the one in Long Island City, help provide clean energy to millions of customers.

“If my bill went up, then they should get more money. You know?” said Con Ed customer John Fulton.

In a letter to members, the union writes:

“At this point, we continue to make slow progress because of Con Edison’s continued procrastination. We understand this can be a difficult and stressful time, but let me remind you… we are not retreating.”

Many Con Ed customers are worried about the heat.

“We definitely rely on Con Ed, but I definitely stand with the workers and all the demands they are protesting for,” said Con Ed customer Alison Prendy.

Con Edison describes the discussions as “productive” and says:

“We remain optimistic that these discussions will lead to an agreement that is fair and equitable for both our employees and our customers.”

ALSO READ | MTA halts construction on Second Avenue subway due to pause on congestion pricing

———-

* Get Eyewitness News

* More news from Manhattan

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news

* Follow us on Youtube

Send a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News

Have a breaking news tip or story idea we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. When attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.