(LEWISTON, NEW YORK) – A new 64-month contract involving two International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Locals in Lewiston and Massena, which combine to represent 560 Workers employed by the New York Power Authority (NYPA), has been ratified, Union Leaders tell WNYLaborToday.com.

The contract, which is retroactive and runs until August 2027, features: No increases in the Workers health care coverage; Work rule readjustments; Additional paid time off; a Retroactive pay increase of 2%; and an overall 15% wage increase over the life of the contract (2% in the first year, 3.5% in the second, 3% in the third, 3.5% in the fourth and 3% in year five), Union Officials tell WNYLaborToday.com.

The contract covers NYPA/IBEW Employees who work at NYPA’s Niagara Power Project in Lewiston, its St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project in Massena, its Clark Energy Center in Marcy and its Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project in Schoharie County, and its small hydropower facilities in Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Oneida and Herkimer Counties.

NYPA is the Nation’s largest State Public Power Entity providing nearly a quarter of New York’s electricity.  NYPA operates 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines.  More than 80% of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower.  NYPA also uses no tax money or State credit and finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. 

“It’s a ‘relief’ to take care of these Members.  ‘Anytime you can go into negotiations in this (economic) climate and walk away with good wage increases and no increases in your health care - that’s a big win in my book,’” IBEW Local 2104 Business Manager Lou Fazzolari told WNYLaborToday.com.

“The feedback (from his Local’s Membership) ‘has been positive.’  They’re ‘happy’ (with the results),” said Fazzolari, who said IBEW Membership voted to ratify the new NYPA deal “in the (80%) range.”

Local 2104, headquartered in Lewiston, represents 212 Members employed at NYPA.  They work as Skilled Trades/Electricians, in Clerical, Security, Operations, Drafting, as Technicians and in Building and Grounds.

William Brown, Jr. - who serves as Business Manager at IBEW Local 2032, said: “Members of the IBEW are highly-trained, dedicated professionals who have made tremendous contributions to support the production of clean, low-cost power throughout New York State.  I am proud of our Members and the many accomplishments and sacrifices they have made during unprecedented times.  This new agreement will protect benefits and provide stability for the next five years as we work to support New York’s ambitious energy goals.”

IBEW Local 2032 represents 350 Members who are employed at NYPA.  They are employed as Skilled Trades/Electricians, Technicians, Turbine Generating Mechanics and as Clerks, in Security, Building and Grounds and Janitorial.

“It ‘wasn’t just about’ wages and benefits,” Brown, whose IBEW Local is headquartered in Massena, told WNYLaborToday.com.  “‘It was about (negotiating additional) paid time off, which we were able to do.’  ‘We did well.’”

In a press release, NYPA Interim President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said: “We are very pleased to have arrived at this contract with the IBEW and to ensure the continuation of good wages and medical benefits for a vitally important arm of NYPA’s workforce.  New York State relies on NYPA’s talented Craft Labor Force more than ever to help advance its ambitious clean energy goals and to ensure the continued efficient, secure and reliable operation of New York’s energy system.”

Fazzolari and Brown both credited NYPA Interim President/CEO Driscoll for role he played in getting a new contract done with the IBEW, in light of the fact negotiations on a new deal started in back in November 2021.

“(Driscoll) ‘pushed it over the finish line,’” Fazzolari said.

Both IBEW Leaders also welcomed the potential for a positive working Labor-Management relationship with NYPA under Driscoll’s leadership, they told WNYLaborToday.com.

 “I ‘look forward to working with President Driscoll,’” Brown said, “as well as with Governor (Kathy) Hochul aggressive initiative (zero emissions goals) and schedule over the next five years.”

Pictured Below: New York Power Authority Interim President & CEO Driscoll (center) joins with IBEW Local 2104 Business Manager Lou Fazzolari (on the right) and IBEW Local 2032 Business Manager William Brown, Jr. (on the left) during a ceremonial signing of the new NYPA/IBEW five-year Labor Agreement.   (Photo Credit: New York Power Authority)

For More On This Labor News Report, Go To: https://www.nypa.gov/news/press-releases/2022/20221215-ibew 

WNYLaborToday.com Editor’s Note: Information from a NYPA Press Release was also used in this Labor News Story.