When municipal light plant officials in the town of Merrimac, Massachusetts need to build a power plant or complete some other big project, they don't turn to high-priced, profit hungry construction firm.Why? Because ratepayers already have a top-notch in-house team, and incredibly, they're the same people who keep the power system running smoothly every day.

Despite having to handle every-day duties like repairing and maintaining lines; fixing broken streetlights; responding to damage and power outages caused by the harsh New England weather; and fulfilling responsibilities under mutual aid agreements with surrounding communities, this four-person crew from AFSCME Local 939 has somehow found the time to complete an impressive array of special projects.In doing so, they've saved ratepayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.Most importantly, they've ensured that the job was done right.

In 2010, the crew completed work on a $2.1 million high-voltage substation.The two-year project saved more than $300,000.From 2011 to 2013 they built a second supply line into town, running 5,000 feet of new wiring and installing 40 new poles.The second line provides residents with a critical back-up in case the first line goes down. Most recently, in 2015 they relocated 25 poles and transformers in the downtown to accommodate new handicapped sidewalks and installed new high-voltage underground cables and transformers as part of a new subdivision projects in town.

But despite their hard work every day, and the significant costs savings achieved through their skills and expertise, these municipal light plant workers and other workers who play an integral role at the plant find themselves fighting for a fair and equitable contract from the plant's board of commissioners.The board only pays 50% of their health insurance coverage – the minimum allowed by state law.A recent 10% overall rate increase has these members paying more than $1100. a month for their health plans.And, according to a recent wage survey of comparable plants completed by the local, the crew is underpaid by approximately $3.00 per hour. After more than three months of negotiations, the matter is now in mediation.AFSCME members are encouraged to take a minute to call board members Norman Denault, Larry Fisher and Paula Hamel at 978-346-8311 and urge them to provide Local 939 members with a contract worthy of their skills, dedication and hard work.You can also email the board of commissioners with your thoughts and comments.