LWSC workers seek new pact

LYNN – Union employees at the Lynn Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant are negotiating a new labor contract with Veolia, the French-based multinational corporation that manages the plant. The current 3-year contract, which expires April 30, required calling in a federal mediator before it was signed.The workers are members of IUE-CWA Local 201, the same union that represents rank-and-file employees at the local GE aircraft engine factory.Last Sept. 30, the Lynn facility was cited as “the best large wastewater plant in Massachusetts” in an award from the Massachusetts Water Pollution Control Association. At the time, association spokesman Valerie Flaherty said she shared the Lynn Water and Sewer Commission’s pride in the facility, which performs a “vital public service with outstanding plant efficiency.”Veolia manager Al Waitt received the award and cited the plant’s “several unique processes” in serving the populations of Lynn, Saugus, Nahant and Swampscott.Under the current union contract, more workers have increased their wastewater license training, according to Jeff Crosby, president of IUE-CWA Local 201. Ninety percent of the workers now hold wastewater treatment licenses between levels 1 and 6.”We’re working during the storms like the torrential rains this winter and spring to make sure only the cleanest possible water gets discharged into the harbor,” said IUE-CWA Chief Steward Roger Moreau, a Lynn resident.In addition to Crosby, the union bargaining committee includes Pat Cooke, Raymond Comeau, Local 201 Business Agent Ric Cassilli and Vice-President/Recording Secretary Alex Brown.Union negotiators say the opposing sides remain far from agreement, but add that the situation is “normal” at this junction in the bargaining process.”There are some very punitive economic proposals from their side on the table that would be shocking if they were serious,” Crosby said. “But it’s early. There will be give and take, and we expect to get things resolved.”Cassilli noted that the negotiations three years ago required the intervention of a federal mediator. “We hope that’s not necessary this time,” he said.According to MarketWatch, Veolia reported an improved year in 2009, with net profits up 44 percent or $793 million, over 2008, despite an overall revenue drop of 3.4 percent. The total value of the corporation was cited as over $50 billion.”Veolia Water is currently in negotiations and will meet until an agreement is reached,” said Matt Demo, spokesman for Veolia Water North America. “Reasonable proposals remain on the table and are still under discussion.”