Conn. utility, union agree on tentative contract

Union members rap 'small' wage increase, set to vote on tentative contract with Conn. utility

BERLIN, Conn. (AP) -- Connecticut's largest utility and the union that represents about 1,200 workers have reached a tentative contract agreement that proposes a wage increase of about 11 percent over four years.

Frank Cirillo, a business manager for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, said members will vote Thursday on the contract with Connecticut Light & Power, a unit of Northeast Utilities. He says he doesn't know whether workers will accept it.

Cirillo said the contract doesn't include staffing levels the union wants, but it's barred by federal law from striking over that issue. The union says CL&P hasn't filled 18 lineman vacancies.

Spokeswoman Caroline Pretyman said the company, a subsidiary of Northeast Utilities, is pleased the union is voting on the agreement and looks forward to having a contract in place.

Workers have been on the job without a contract since June 1, 2011.