Conn. utility, union agree on tentative contract

BERLIN, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut's largest utility and the union that represents about 1,200 workers have reached a tentative contract agreement that proposes a wage increase of about 11 percent over four years.

Frank Cirillo, a business manager for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, told the New Haven Register that union members will vote Thursday on the contract with Connecticut Light & Power.

He says union members are angry because is the wage increase is the lowest in 40 years.

Cirillo also criticized CL&P, a subsidiary of Northeast Utilities, saying it has not filled 18 lineman vacancies.

Spokeswoman Caroline Pretyman told The Associated Press that the company is pleased the union is voting on the agreement and looks forward to having a contract in place.

Workers have been on the job without a contract since June 1, 2012.