By CHUCK BENNETT
Last updated: 10:28 am
June 30, 2008
Posted: 2:51 am
June 30, 2008
Contract talks between Con Ed and its utility-workers union could resume as early as today after Gov. Paterson intervened at the 11th hour to prevent a strike.
Both Con Ed and Utility Workers of America Local 1-2, which represents 8,900 rank-and-file employees, agreed to a "cooling off" period over the weekend to avoid a walkout that could hamper electrical service to millions of New Yorkers.
The new deadline to reach an agreement is 11:59 p.m. Tuesday.
Talks are officially scheduled to resume at 9 a.m. tomorrow, although a union spokesman said "substantive" talks could start today.
Paterson personally spoke to union President Harry Farrell and Con Ed chief Kevin Burke to secure the extension. The two sides are arguing over raises and pensions.
