Tentative Contract Agreement Reached at MPS for Meter Representatives

August 17, 2012 - After only two bargaining sessions, Union and Company Negotiating Teams have inked a tentative agreement on a first contract for the recently-organized Meter Representatives at Maine Public Service Company (MPS).

Workers in the new bargaining unit are set to vote on whether to approve the contract agreement on Friday, August 24. The first union contract for the Meter Representatives includes a wage increase as well as a lump sum F.R. (fire retardant) clothing allowance. Both sides also reached tentative agreement to incorporate the Meter Representatives into the existing larger, current bargaining agreement at MPS. 

IBEW 1837 Business Manager Dick Rogers is hopeful that the Meter Representatives will agree to ratify the agreement. "We feel this a good deal for the meter representatives and we look forward to welcoming them aboard," Rogers said.  He went on to say that, “this effort was aided by the fact both sides worked hard to achieve a fair and reasonable contract for these members."

Chief Steward from BHE Robert Economy, Chief Steward from MPS Jon Lauritsen and MPS Meter Representative Rick Green joined Business Manager Rogers on the Union Negotiating Team.

Approximately 50 members of IBEW 1837 work at Maine Public Service in Presque Isle, Fort Kent, Caribou, and Island Falls, Maine.

Meanwhile, bargaining also began this week on a first contract for the System Operators at BHE. Additional negotiating sessions for that contract have been scheduled for August, September and October.