Chris Morris, Telegraph-Journal, Published Saturday November 14th, 2009

FREDERICTON - The union representing more than 2,200 NB Power employees wants the provincial government to scrap the proposed deal to have Hydro-Quebec acquire the utility.

Ross Galbraith business manager for local 37 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, said Friday there are too many uncertainties associated with the tentative agreement to sell most of NB Power's assets to the Quebec utility.

"Our folks have worked in this province for a long time," Galbraith said at a news conference in Fredericton. "We have supplied probably the best electrical service on the East Coast and our members shouldn't have to be anxious and worried about their futures."

Galbraith said there are no hard commitments in the memorandum of understanding between New Brunswick and Quebec concerning such issues as the status of collective agreements and the fate of pension plans.

Ron Pink of the Halifax law firm, Pink Larkin, sat beside Galbraith at the news conference, adding his concerns about the vague language in the proposed agreement.

"The memorandum of understanding says the collective agreements will be respected but, with respect, 'respect' is not a word that has much legal meaning," Pink, an expert in labour law, said.

"There are no guarantees, no commitments, no undertakings that the collective agreements will be transferred in every respect."

Energy Minister Jack Keir is urging NB Power employees to be patient.

He said that in the coming months, the memorandum of understanding will be turned into a contract and the union and NB Power employees will have a say in the final deal.

"We'll ensure there is wording in the contract that states IBEW (37) will be bargaining agent, that those successor rights are going to be there and that those contracts will be honoured," Keir said.

"I understand their concerns. We'll make sure their feedback is heard and that they have input."

Galbraith said the main issue is the lack of clarity about what the NB Power deal means for utility workers.

He also takes issue with the plan to close the Dalhousie generating plant and the looming likelihood that Coleson Cove and Belledune also will shut down within the next few years.

"These are important and top-performing facilities with advanced emission-control equipment and I believe they deserve a future no matter what happens."

Keir said those plants don't have a long-term future.

He said even if the Hydro-Quebec deal falls through, NB Power would have to look at mothballing the fossil fuel generating stations once Ottawa imposes either a carbon tax or a cap-and-trade system on emissions.

David Hay, president and CEO of NB Power, recently sent a letter to employees designed to ease concerns within the ranks about the pending takeover.

Hay says in the letter that Hydro-Quebec would retain all NB Power employees and respect all collective agreements.

As well, Hay stresses that existing employees will remain members of their New Brunswick public sector pension plans, which will continue to be guaranteed by the province.

Hay also makes special reference to workers at the generating station in Dalhousie, which will be closed.

"The government says early retirement options, job transfers or relocations would be offered to Dalhousie employees," he writes. "It is clear the government wants all NB Power employees treated fairly."

However, Hay also admits in the letter that he knows workers are anxious and worried. He admits that he himself has questions.

"I know you continue to experience a range of emotions, from being worried and concerned to being confused. And much of this is fuelled by stories in the media. The media reports are very distracting," Hay says in the letter, dated Nov. 5.

"The questions you are asking are all valid, but unfortunately, we have very few detailed answers. I have many questions myself."