NES Workers Turn Out in Force to Protect Their Benefits

Some 140 Nashville Electric Service (“N.E.S.”) union members swarmed Metro Council to voice their concerns about the possibility of the company’s budget being subjected to heavy scrutiny by Metro Council, which would have jeopardized union contracts and benefits.

This action was initiated by Councilman Michael Craddock in order to get Management’s attention after they dropped the ball on not installing security cameras in Mr. Craddock’s district, which was requested in writing 18 months ago. After getting the undivided attention of NES administrators, Councilman Craddock dropped his proposal, making sure that workers’ pay and benefits would not be at risk. “I can see why Mr. Craddock did what he did,” says Amy Wheeler, a customer service representative who also serves as the NES chapter’s political director. “All of us know that sometimes you have to take drastic measures to get Management’s attention. The important thing is that the company is listening to the councilman’s concerns and that they worked with the union to make sure this issue was resolved.”

“This was one of the biggest turnout actions our union’s had in years,” says Shane Lankford, a senior meter technician who also serves as Local 205’s Executive Vice-President. “When we stand together, we can make serious changes and get things done”.

To see all the pictures from this union action, visit Joe Weaver’s online photo gallery here.