Three Assembly Committees to Hold Joint Hearing On Con Edison Service During Its Lockout of 8,000 Employees

The New York State Assembly Committees on Energy, Labor. and Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions will hold a hearing in New York City on Wednesday, July 25 regarding the provision of utility service by Con Edison during its lockout of approximately 8,000 workers.  Con Edison has claimed its service is no less safe and reliable while management and contract employees attempt to fill the gaps caused by the lockout.

The hearing ... will “examine the protocols in place to ensure the safety of employees and the public in this challenging situation,” according to a notice made public Thursday. The notice cites two non-fatal injuries to newly reassigned employees that occurred since Con Ed locked out 8,500 employees and replaced them with management. AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento said he plans to testify.“This is really an issue of public safety, customer safety and, of course, worker safety and there are a lot of questions that need to be asked,” Cilento said.

Celeste Katz, NY Assembly Plans Hearing On Con Ed Lockout, Daily News, July 20, 2012.