Con Edison Negotiations Drag Through 11th Day Of Lockout

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Consolidated Edison and its unionized workers were back at the bargaining table as they try to end an 11-day lockout on Wednesday, but they did not announce any developments.

The two sides resumed negotiations on Tuesday, but failed to agree to a contract.

Con Edison issued a press release Tuesday saying it is offering a 10-percent pay hike over four years but wants employees to pay more towards health care.

The union calls the press release inaccurate, and says the utility should not be negotiating in public through the media.

"I wanted to put out our latest proposal just so the union could take a look at what we're offering in terms of what we think is a fair and equitable package for our employees," said Con Edison Media Relations Director Michael Clendenin.

Workers on the picket line in the Parkchester section of the Bronx said on Wednesday they are getting fed up with management.

"Our union said that they lie to their customers, they lie to their employees, they lie to everybody. I agree with that," said a protester.

"They want to raise our medical 17 percent the first year, and at the end of the contract, they want to raise it 24 percent. They say no, we're giving them a fair contract, we're giving them fair wages. That's bull, because at the end of the contract, our medical is 24 percent, so what evens out? You do the math," said another protester.

The utility's 8,500 unionized workers have been locked out since the beginning of the month.

Con Ed says 5,000 managers have been dispatched to the field during the dispute.