Nova Scotia Power and its unionized workers reached a tentative agreement on Friday. Photo by Tim Krochak /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentAfter two months of conciliatory talks and motions to strike, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1928 voted in favour of a tentative agreement with Nova Scotia Power on Friday.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThis tentative agreement includes a three-year contract with a four per cent raise each year and increases to meal chits, the labour pool travel allowance and wages for overnight workers, among other changes.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentWhen it was initially presented last week, union members voted against the tentative agreement last Friday. On Monday, the IBEW filed a strike notice with the Nova Scotia labour board, starting the 48-hour clock before any strike action.Article contentNova Scotia Power responded on Monday afternoon by offering a $1,000 signing bonus for regular employees and eligible labour pool employees. This does not include employees on long term disability prior to ratification or those on short-term illness leave who have not worked since April 1.Article contentVoting for the new deal closed Friday at noon, and the IBEW released a statement shortly after to announce the vote results for the tentative agreement.Article content“Brothers and sisters of IBEW Local 1928, thank you for voting in favour of the tentative agreement, showing incredible unity, strength and commitment to our shared future and values,” wrote James Sponagle, the business manager for the local.Article contentThe IBEW Local 1928 represents nearly 1,000 workers, including engineers, technicians and inspectors.Article contentArticle contentIn an emailed statement, Nova Scotia Power said its priorities for the negotiations have been striking a balance between affordability for customers and fairness for unionized workers.Article content“Our focus throughout the process has been on working together toward an agreement that is fair and reasonable for our unionized employees and aligns with our commitment to provide safe, reliable electricity while balancing affordability for customers,” wrote the utility on Friday.Article content“We would like to thank the negotiating teams from IBEW Local 1928 and Nova Scotia Power for their efforts and collaboration throughout negotiations.”Article content
Nova Scotia Power union workers reach a tentative agreement with utility
