BOSTON (AP) - Natural gas workers for National Grid have ratified a new contract with the utility, ending a six-month lockout.
The company and the leaders of two unions representing more than 1,200 workers in Massachusetts announced Monday that a tentative agreement reached last week had been approved. The employees, who have been locked out since late June, are expected to fully return to their jobs on the week of Jan. 20.
National Grid says the contract includes compromise language on several of the major sticking points in the dispute, including pensions and health care. The company will eliminate pensions for newly-hired workers, but offer increases in pensions and wages to current employees.
The union says the deal also includes the creation of several new jobs that will enhance public safety.
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