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The local politicians called on Con Edison to end the lockout of 8,500 workers, which began when their contract expired at the end of June.

More than 1,000 workers marched from Con Edison headquarters on Irving Place to Union Square Park Tuesday.

Negotiations between Con Edison and the workers' union on a new contract have so far been unsuccessful. The sticking points are pensions and health insurance premiums.

Since the lockout, approximately 5,000 managers have kept the utility running.

Some of the elected officials at the rally Tuesday worried about the safety of those managers and the company keeping electricity on during another heat wave.

"This is not a time for gamesmanship," said Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer. "This is not a time to prove a point. Temperatures are soaring right now and a lot of people could get injured or even killed."

"This is a very important struggle, not only for these workers but for the labor movement as a whole," said City Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito. "We have to see that that's what it is. We have to draw a line in the sand."

Con Edison issued a statement Tuesday which says it continues to provide safe, reliable service.

They statement said the lockout continues because the union refused to provide advanced notice of a strike.

Talks are expected to resume Wednesday.