CMP Fiber Microwave Techs Vote for Union in NLRB Election Victory

April 26, 2013 - Fiber Microwave Technicians at Central Maine Power voted 5 - 1 to join IBEW Local Union #1837. With the union win in the NLRB secret ballot, these six workers will become part of the largest existing bargaining unit at CMP along with hundreds of other IBEW members.

"We're very pleased with the election outcome," Fiber Microwave Tech Bob Craig said. "We were strong for the union from the start, and despite numerous anti-union meetings, we became stronger."

The Fiber Microwave Techs are responsible for the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of CMP's fiber-optic cable and microwave networks that carry both voice and data communications. They also maintain the Load Management and Energy Management Systems for the Company.

"This election victory continues the recent upward trend in our membership," IBEW 1837 Business Manager Dick Rogers said. "In addition to these CMP technicians, System Operators at Bangor Hydro and Electric System Operators at Unitil have recently voted in favor of joining IBEW Local #1837. Customer Service Representatives and Meter Workers at Maine Public Service also signed up for the union recently. An overwhelming majority of Building Mechanics at Public Service Company of New Hampshire and Customer Service Representatives at CMP in Augusta have just submitted union authorization cards and will be voting soon."

The CMP Fiber Microwave Technicians were clearly elated by their election victory.

"The Union has been very helpful and we appreciate all the hard work they put into this campaign," Bob Craig continued. "Now that this is behind us, it's time for us to get to work on our contract."