Striking Enstar employees to return to work

[unhappycamper]

http://www.adn.com/article/20140827/striking-enstar-employees-return-work



Striking employees of Enstar Natural Gas Co. picket at Enstar's headquarters on Spenard Road in Midtown Anchorage on Monday, Aug. 11. An attorney for the union says members have voted to return to work without a contract.

Striking Enstar employees to return to work
Sean Doogan
August 27, 2014

Enstar operational employees, about 100 maintenance and plant workers, have voted to end their two-week strike without getting a new contract.

The employees, part of the United Association Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Local 367, are expected to return to work on Thursday, according to the union's attorney, Chuck Dunnagan. John Sims, Enstar's business development director, said in an email Wednesday evening that the utility has agreed to the arrangement.

"Enstar accepts the unconditional offer from the union for our employees to return to work," Sims wrote. "Enstar expects all operating employees will be returning tomorrow for their normal work shifts." He added that all Enstar offices will be open for walk-in customers on Thursday.

The strike began Aug. 11 after months of failed contract negotiations between Enstar and its Local 367 employees. According to union officials, the main sticking point was Enstar's requirement that all future employees receive a 401(k)-style, contribution retirement as opposed to the current defined benefits (pension) plan.