NEW YORK (AP) -- The union representing about 8,600 utility workers at Consolidated Edison on Thursday voted to authorize a strike against the company if the sides fail to sign a contract by next month's deadline.þþMembers of Local 1-2 Utility Workers Union of America voted 4,380-248 -- or 95 percent in favor -- to threaten a walkout if a collective bargaining agreement is not reached by June 26, when the current contract expires.þþThe local's president, Manny Hellen, said Con Ed and the union, which represents mechanics, clerks, customer service representatives, technicians and other workers, are at odds over work rules, wages and medical and pension benefits.þþThe average annual salary of a Con Ed utility worker is about $53,000, the union said.þþCon Ed provides electricity to 3.1 million customers in New York City and Westchester County.þþThe company said in a statement that it was looking forward to ``productive discussion with the union leadership.'' þþ
Source: NY Times
