Some 8,500 workers locked out at Consolidated Edison Power Co., after contract negotiations stalled Sunday, say they hope the company's promise to go back to the bargaining table on Thursday means management is serious about bargaining a fair contract. The power company wants to replace pensions with a 401(k)-type savings plan, according to the New York Post, and the workers, meanwhile, are asking for a 4 percent pay hike, said union spokesman John Melia.

(Click here to tell Con Ed to end the lockout.)

Con Ed is trying to run the city’s massive system with managers and outside contractors.

From the Post:

Con Ed spokesman Allan Drury countered that its 5,000 management people were already teaming with contractors to run the system and make repairs as needed.

Color Melia unimpressed.

“Con Ed has left the citizens of New York City and Westchester vulnerable on these hot days,” he said. “[The managers] don’t have the experience or the knowledge to repair the system if something goes wrong.” 

Walking the picket lines in 100+ degree heat, the workers, members of Utility Workers Local 1-2. say they want a fair shake. As the Post reports:

Facility worker David Palomino, 34, was seething outside Con Ed’s Union Square headquarters on Irving Place.

“It’s crazy, with the heat wave,” he said, “…a major concern for us is pension and medical care.”