44°
WESTCHESTER, N.Y. The lockout of Con Edison union workers will extend into a second week after a brief mediation session with no face-to-face talks Saturday afternoon yielded no progress.
John Melia, spokesman for the Local 1-2 Utility Workers Union, which represents about 8,500 employees, said management was trying to bust the union by refusing to bargain in good faith.
"We've been open every day," Melia said. "Nine million people are being held hostage by their union busting tactics. They could have employed a few chimpanzees to do what they have done. They just sit there and nod their head."
Saturday's efforts lasted just one hour, with three mediators in a hotel unable to find any common ground. The next meeting between the two sides is scheduled for Tuesday at a Laguardia Airport hotel.
Since the lockout, 5,000 Con Edison managers have been forced to staff trucks to serve customers.
No one from Con Edison could be reached for comment Saturday.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Mt. Kisco and receive free news updates.
