National Grid has locked out 1,250 gas employees since June 25 around the state, and communities, including Arlington, have blocked the utility.
In addition to words of support for who have lost income and health insurance after contract talks stalled, a town resolution keeps the utility from doing work here. Medford, Somerville and Lowell have done likewise.
Facts about the lockout >>
On Thursday, July 26, at a summer meeting to discuss goals, the Select Board voted to support the resolution. The vote follows the plea of Arlington residents John Broughall and Matt Denn, union members who asked the board to sign a moratorium against National Grid.
Both made claims about the ability on nonunion, inexperienced workers to find and fix gas leaks.
The board could not vote on the moratorium July 16 because it was not on the agenda and would have violated Open Meeting Law. At the July 26 meeting, the board unanimously approved the moratorium. The moratorium notes safety concerns for the general public because of the prolonged lockout and asks National Grid to end the lockout “so that gas line inspections, services, and repairs may continue to be performed by qualified and properly trained employees.”
Following the vote, Select Board Chair Dan Dunn noted if the lockout continues, members may have to reevaluate the moratorium and see how it affects the town.
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS: National Grid serves many residential and commercial natural gas customers within the Town of Arlington; and
WHEREAS: The United Steelworkers Local 12003 District 4 Boston Gas Workers Union represents the men and women who operate on gas lines and projects within the Town of Arlington; and
WHEREAS: Many members of the United Steelworkers Local 12003 District 4 Boston Gas Workers Union live and work in the Town of Arlington; and
WHEREAS: The safety and well-being of National Grid gas customers and the general public is contingent upon high quality and well-trained employees performing services and line inspections on gas projects; and
WHEREAS: A prolonged lockout of National Grid gas workers raises safety concerns for the general public and strains service to National Grid gas customers;
and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Select Board of the Town of Arlington urges National Grid to end the lockout of its gas workers so that gas line inspections, services, and repairs may continue to be performed by qualified and properly trained employees; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town of Arlington provide heightened scrutiny and safety inspections and monitoring on all National Grid work being done during the lockout of National Grid’s workers and that no new, non-emergency permits for gas construction projects shall be issued by the Select Board; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we the Select Board of the Town of Arlington urges National Grid to agree to a fair and equitable contract that provides for competitive wages and benefits commensurate with the technical skills and qualifications possessed by the members of the United Steelworkers Local 12003 District 4 Boston Gas Workers Union.
Offered on this Day of Thursday, July 26, 2018.
July 18, 2018: Tree near Town Hall to be removed, but what about those gas leaks?
June 11, 2018: Overnight work sliced off trees killed by gas
June 5, 2018: Tree removals denied as Town Hall Garden rehab begins
This news summary was published Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018.
