Con Edison Workers Rally, Threaten Strike
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With their contract expiring at the end of the month, about 1,000 Con Edison workers rallied in Union Square Tuesday for a better deal.
Union members said Con Ed is threatening to gut their pay and benefits despite what they call record profits and skyrocketing executive salaries.
The workers said they're willing to strike if necessary.
"They're looking to cut all our benefits," said Harry Farrell, the president of Local 1-2. "Number one, pensions, number two, medical, number three, sick time and number four, wages. So that's why we're gathered here today because we can not allow this to happen."
"The workers are fed up," said Mike Langford of the Utility Workers of America. "This is an extreme agenda that's going on across this country for the top 1 percent of the money-makers that are continuing to push back on the people who are making them the money."
Con Edison released a statement in response to the protests.
"We look forward to productive discussions with the union leadership on a new contract that is fair and equitable for our employees and customers," the statement read.