Workers approve new contract with Conn. utility

BERLIN, Conn. (AP) — A union representing about 1,100 workers has approved a new contract with Connecticut Light & Power, the state's largest electric utility.

Frank Cirillo, business manager for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, said the deal was narrowly approved Thursday. He said he's glad the contract was approved, but there's lingering anger among union members over manpower issues. The union has said CL&P hasn't filled several lineman vacancies.

The agreement provides a wage increase of about 11 percent over four years. The company said it also allows new schedules to meet service demands while reducing unplanned call-ins of off-duty workers.

CL&P President William Herdegen said the contract "is good news" for employees and customers.

Workers were without a contract since June, and rejected one in October.

CL&P, a division of Northeast Utilities, serves about 1.2 million customers.