Tentative Grid contract offer draws angry response from members, union says
"We need an increase that keeps pace with inflation," [said Pat Guidice, Business Manage of IBEW Local 1049].
The union has proposed switching the company’s outside medical plan to one administered by IBEW called Family Medical Care Plan, which is underwritten by Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Lower costs for both employees and National Grid would save the company more than $12.9 million in costs over the 4-year contract period, Guidice said, but the company rejected the notion in its final contract offer and is seeking to shift to a new plan by Aetna.