Contract

INDEX

INDEX                                                 ARTICLE/SECTION
·                 30 minutes to report to work                                                           III.4
·                 Absence Notification                                                                       XI
·                 Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance                          XIII.2
·                 Appeal to the grievance procedure fifteen (15) days                        I.5
·                 Arbitration procedure                                                                      VII.3d
·                 Automatic progression                                                                     III.3
·                 Bail/compensation in connection with faithful discharge
of duties                                                                                           IX.5
·                 Basis for advancement                                                                      VI.5
·                 Bidding to higher pay classification
Minimum $.25 increase                                                                   III.11
·                 Breaks                                                                                               III.1
·                 Breaks in seniority                                                                            VI.6
·                 Call outs                                                                                            II.2
·                 Call out pay                                                                                       III.4
·                 “Change in Mode of Operation”                                                       III.3
·                 Child care exclusion                                                                          III.9
·                 Classifications: Job Description List                                                 VI.6
·                 Closed Shop                                                                                       II.1
·                 Collectors vacation pay rate                                                              IV.8
·                 Commercial and industrial service work                                           III.10
·                 Company to furnish equipment and clothing                                    IX.2
·                 Condition of employment                                                                 II.1
·                 Confined during vacation due to sickness or injury                         IV.11
·                 Continuous seniority                                                                        VI.4
·                 Contracting during layoff                                                                 VI.2
·                 Coverage for coffee breaks, lunch, etc                                             III.12
·                 Day off for father due to birth of child                                             V.8
·                 Deduction of dues initiation fees                                                      II.2
·                 Discharge nor suspend without just cause                                        I.5
·                 Disciplinary steps                                                                             I.5
·                 Discrimination                                                                                XIX.2,3
·                 Discussing matters of mutual concern                                            VII.3g.
·                 Distribution of overtime                                                                  III.2
·                 Dues Check-Off                                                                               II.2
·                 Earned Rest Policy                                                                          XII.5
·                 Emergency Call-Outs                                                                      III.4
·                 Employees to whom this contract applies                                       I.2
·                 Employees subpoenaed                                                                   IX.5
·                 Extension of probation                                                                   VI.1
·                 Filling of vacancies and notice to Union                                        VI.6
·                 First aid kits                                                                                     IX.3
·                 Floating Holidays - seven (7) day notice                                     V.7
·                 Floating Holiday refusals                                                             V.7
·                 Funeral Leave                                                                              XII.1.C
·                 Grievance procedure                                                                   VII.3a.b.c
·                 Grievances: timely filing                                                             I,5(New)
·                 Holiday pay when work is performed outside regularly
scheduled work week                                                                V.5
·                 Holiday pay (not working)                                                          V.3
·                 Holiday pay (when working)                                                       V.4
·                 Holiday occurs during vacation week                                          IV.10
·                 Holidays observed                                                                        V.1.2
·                 “Just Cause”                                                                                  I.5
·                 Layoff procedure - bumping rights                                               VI.2
·                 Leave of absence                                                                           I.8
·                 Life Insurance                                                                               XIII.2
·                 “Loyalty” clause                                                                            I.2
·                 Lunch                                                                                             III.1
·                 Management’s Rights                                                                    I.3
·                 Mandatory Overtime                                                                      III.4a
·                 Martin Luther King Day                                                                 V.7
·                 Meal money                                                                                    III.7
·                 Medical insurance premium contributions: Active
employee rates                                                                               XIII.2
·                 Medical insurance: spousal reimbursement                                    XIII.2
·                 Medical insurance premium contributions:
Pre-Medicare eligible employees                                                  XIII.1
·                 Member of the Union employed in any official capacity
by the Union shall not lose his/her seniority                                 I.9
·                 Member of the Union acting in any official capacity                     I.4
·                 Military Service seniority, vacation pay                                        XII.4
·                 Must obey request of supervisor unless unusual or
extremely hazardous                                                                     X.3
·                 Negotiating Committee                                                                 VII.2.
·                 Negotiating w/rank & file employees – restriction                       XVIII.2
·                 Negotiations, grievances, and arbitrations                                    VII
·                 No strike or lockout                                                                      VIII.1
·                 No legal action without prior notice and opportunity to
correct cause of complaint                                                          VIII.2
·                 Non-discrimination                                                                       XIX
·                 Normal work week                                                                        III.1
·                 Not required to operate unsafe equipment                                     IX.4a
·                 Not required to cross picket lines                                                  X.1
·                 Not required to perform work of striking employees                    X.2
·                 Notice of change of reporting time and place                                III.9
·                 Notification of absence from work                                                XI
·                 Observance of Columbus Day – Independence Day                     V.1.2
·                 “Official Union Capacity”                                                              I.4
·                 On call pay                                                                                     III.5
·                 Overtime                                                                                         III.2
·                 Past practice clause                                                                        XVIII.1
·                 Pay rate/job classification changes                                                III.3
·                 Performance reviews                                                                     III.3
·                 Physician Letter                                                                             XII.1.C
·                 Probationary employees                                                                VI.1
·                 Processing time from grievance to arbitration                              VII.3f
·                 Proficient performance                                                                  III.3
·                 Protection of Rights                                                                      X
·                 Red circling with 20 - 30 years of service                                    III.12
·                 Regular employees                                                                       VI.1
·                 Reporting unsafe equipment/vehicles                                          IX.4b
·                 Requests for individual days                                                        IV.9
·                 Requests for vacation - by seniority                                             IV.9
·                 Retiree Medical Insurance                                                           XIII.1
·                 Retirement                                                                                    XIII
·                 Retirement Plan                                                                            XIII.3
·                 Revocation of drivers’ license                                                      IX.4b
·                 Rights and obligations of a steward                                             VII.1a
·                 Safety Committee meeting time paid                                           IX.2
·                 Safety Committee makeup                                                           IX.1
·                 Savings Plan – 401k                                                                     XIII.4
·                 Scaffold Pay                                                                                 XIV.1
·                 Seniority                                                                                       VI.1
·                 Seniority: Department List                                                           VI.5
·                 Seniority during leave of absence for union or
Municipal Office                                                                          I.9
·                 Seniority – breaks in time                                                             VI.6
·                 Seniority shall prevail for advancement and promotion               VI.5
·                 Seniority does not apply to work assignments                              VI.5
·                 Seniority list to be made available to Union                                 VI.3
·                 Shift differential                                                                             III.8
·                 Shift change procedure by seniority                                              III.9
·                 Shifts – 10 hour                                                                              III.1
·                 Sickness, disability, and other allowed time                                  XII
·                 Sickness, disability, physician letter                                              XII.I.C
·                 Sickness & disability, ten (10) additional weeks for major illness XII.2
·                 Sixty (60) day preclusion from bidding                                         VI.6
·                 Sleep (rest) time                                                                              XII.5
·                 Stormy weather                                                                               III.6
·                 Strikes & Lockouts: restrictions                                                     VIII.1
·                 Subcontracting – allowed work                                                     XV.2
·                 Subcontracting -- restrictions                                                         XV.1
·                 Successor or assign                                                                        I.6
·                 Sunday premium pay                                                                     III.8
·                 Supervisors will not perform                                                         I.2
·                 Temporary assignment to lower classification                              III.12
·                 Temporary workers                                                                       II.1
·                 Temporary hiring                                                                          VI.1
·                 Temporary assignment to higher classification                            III.12
·                 Temporary upgrade to Chief Distribution Fitter                          III.12
·                 Temporary filling of vacancy for twenty (20) days                     VI.6
·                 Temporary shift change three days notice                                    III.9
·                 Ten (10) hour shifts                                                                      III.1
·                 Ten (10) additional weeks for major illness                                XII.1
·                 Ten (10) day notice of shift changes                                            III.9.
·                 Right to hire, to suspend or discharge for proper cause               I.3
·                 Time off – birth of child                                                              V.8
·                 Time off for Union business                                                        I.7
·                 Transfer, promote, demote                                                           I.3
·                 Transfer of employees - red circling with general increase         III.12
·                 Transfers                                                                                      III.12-a-b
·                 Two and one-half times pay for emergency call on holiday        V.6
·                 Two and one-half times pay beyond eight (8) hours on
a holiday                                                                                      V.4
·                 Unable to perform functions or duties – red circling
without general increases                                                            III.12
·                 Uniforms                                                                                       XVI
·                 Union seniority distribution                                                          VI.5
·                 Unreasonable delay                                                                       VII.3e
·                 Unsafe equipment: reporting/not operating                                   IX.4
·                 Utility Representative performing CRC duties                             III.12
·                 Utility Representative exclusion                                                   III.12
·                 Vacation staffing requirements                                                     V.7
·                 Vacations not extended beyond calendar year                              IV.9
·                 Weddings                                                                                      XII.1.C
·                 Weeks of sick time                                                                        XII.1
·                 Workers compensation                                                                 IV.9
·                 Workers compensation                                                                 XII.1.C
·                 Workers Compensation, Social Security, Unemployment
Insurance                                                                                     IX.6

SUPPLEMENTS

Agreement between CNG and CIUW Local 12924
 
The agreement concerning the Articles and Sections of the contract are as noted in this agreement with the following clarifications.
 
Article I: TEN/HSC and the Union have adopted provisions for twelve (12) hour shift operations. Provisions are contained in the 12 Hour Shift Agreement between CNG and CIUW, Local 12924 document dated May 9, 1997 and an Addendum to 12 Hour Shift Agreement Between CNG and CIUW, Local 12924 documents dated June 25, 1998.
 
Article II: Employees must attend scheduled Safety Training meetings unless they notify their supervisor 24 hours in advance that they are unable to attend.
 
Article III: Vacations shall be based upon the combined service with G. Fox and CNG.
 
Article IV: Seniority, Promotions, Pension Vesting, Vacation, Sick time, Bidding, shift assignment, etc., shall include combined years of service with G. Fox and CNG.
 
 

 
 
 
ENI/HSC Reorganization
Statement of Issues and Agreement
 
June 30, 1993
 
ENI and CIUW have discussed the ENI reorganization and the impact on HSC employees. The parties have met several times in the past year to discuss the reorganization. As part of the process of addressing the concerns cited by the
Union, ENI has responded by changing the job descriptions, shortening the progression path, and other policy changes and clarifications, as summarized below.
 
The intent of ENI in revising the personnel job functions and progression paths is to achieve a high level of flexibility in personnel deployment to facilitate the reorganization of HSC operations. The reorganization will improve system
operating efficiencies and productivity to make ENI more competitive.
 
ENI will use automation and other means to consolidate operations functions. This consolidation will consist of remote facility monitoring, remote starting, stopping, and operation of plant equipment, and communications and coordination with all sellers of thermal and electrical energy. Remote operation and monitoring will affect all ENI locations, dependent upon the installation of the controls and technologies necessary.
 
Under reorganization, employees will be cross-trained with the intent of becoming proficient with each of the three facilities serving the system. Employees will be used through the ENI system on an as needed basis. Each employee will have a primary reporting location, and will be dispatched from that primary reporting location to perform both maintenance and operation duties, as needed.
 
The following summarizes the Agreement between CIUW and CNG:
 
Item 1. Assignment of Overtime (CIUW #5)
 
A.         First by Department.
B.        Second by ENI Pool of qualified, available personnel.
C.        All overtime to be assigned by low overtime among qualified employees.             The Company will maintain department overtime lists and an ENI Master            Pool of qualified volunteer personnel.

 
Item 2. Temporary Assignments Due to Short-term Illness (CIUW #6)
 
A.         The Company will fill short-term (up to three days) illness vacancies by    overtime.
B.        The Company is not proposing a change to Article III, Section 9 of the       Contract. The Company will continue to give 10 days notice when it is the            Company's initiative to change regularly scheduled shifts or shift hours.
 
Item 3. Long-Term Illness Vacancies (CIUW #7)
 
A.         The Company will fill any illness vacancy which is four or more days by asking for volunteers. If an employee is forced to cover long-term illness, the Company will give at least three (3) working days notice to the junior
            qualified employee.
B.        Same as Item 2.B. above.
 
Item 4. Emergency Temporary Assignments (CIUW #8)
 
I.          When there is an emergency need for every available employee, assignment will be as follows:
 
A.         On-Call man is called first. Additional personnel by low overtime.
B.        During first shift the nearest qualified employee will be assigned first by              Department and then by ENI Personnel Pool.
 
II.         Where there is an emergency need for a limited number of employees,    assignment will be as follows:
 
A.         On-Call man is called first.
B.        Additional personnel will be by qualified low overtime volunteer.
C.        Next additional personnel will come from ENI Personnel Pool by qualified low overtime.
D.        Forced assignment to junior qualified personnel first by Department, then by ENI Pool.
 
Item 5. Temporary Assignment Due to Lack of Work (CIUW #9)
 
A.         Assignment to be made in accordance with Collective Bargaining                          Agreement, Article I, Section 3.
B.        Seniority will be given consideration on assignments between locations as long as the Company has a qualified employee to perform the work assignment.

Item 6. Training (CIUW #l0)
 
A.         When training in other Departments, the employee must be assigned to work with another qualified person, which may be a supervisor. This restriction will not apply to classroom type training.
B.        Senior employees will be given first option to be trained as far as                           practicable to do so.
 
Item 7. Operation Mode (CIUW #11)
 
The Company does not assign maintenance jobs that cannot be interrupted or are inconsistent with concurrent operation. Without intending to replace job descriptions, Lone plant Technicians will perform maintenance work including, but not limited to the following examples:
 
·                 Calibration of gauges and thermometers
·                 Isolation and draining of equipment
oil changes and lubrication of equipment. 
·                 cleaning of equipment
·                 pump and turbine overhauls
·                 plant chemistry
·                 painting equipment
·                 tube punching (without ladders or scaffolding)
·                 repacking seals
·                 plant janitorial duties
·                 plumbing and piping
 
Lone plant technicians (2nd & 3rd shift) will not be assigned maintenance work on ladders or scaffolding. The Company may assign these employees to perform maintenance work (which can be interrupted during operation emergencies),
and such orders will be noted in the log book by supervisors or by employees as directed by supervisors.
 
Item 8. On Call (CIUW #15)
 
On-Call procedure to remain the same as current practice, until such time as the Company determines there are enough personnel fully qualified to handle calls in all three locations. (G Fox, CAS, HSC Steam Plant) Company will discuss any change in on-call procedure with union.

Item 9. Bidding by Seniority (CIUW #16)
 
Future vacancies will be handled in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement, under Article VI, Section 2.
 
Only on petition signed by a majority of the ENI labor pool, and no more than once a year, jobs may be reassigned by open bidding by seniority and qualification. Job locations are: HSC Steam Plant, CAS, AND G. FOX.
 
Item 10. Labor Grades / Skills and Experience Required Lump Sum Payments CIUW #13)
 
A.         The Company proposes that employees be assigned labor grades as     stated in Attachment A, including the effective date of each change.            Attachment A also describes the skills or experience required by each
            employee to reach the top of the labor grade.
B.        While all new employees who bid in or who are hired will be required to progress to the top classification. XXXXX will not be disciplined or terminated for failure to progress beyond his current classification. XXXXX, XXXXX, and XXXXX will not be disciplined or terminated for     failure to progress to the top classification.
C.        The Company will give a lump sum of $600 to each employee indicated on         Attachment A, in recognition of past performance and as an incentive to  reach agreement.
 
Item 11. Progression (CIUW # 14)
 
A.         Attachment B are the job classifications and job grades, and the time it will         take to go from the minimum to maximum of each job classification.
B.        The merit system and Progression is consistent with the contract Article III, Section 3(b).
 
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS
 
Attachment 1
 
Amendment to June 30, 1993
ENI/HSC Statement of Issues and Agreement
Attachment A (revised June 14, 1993) - [SEE ORIGINAL]
 
(Incorporating former A-1)
 
Existing grade/rate; proposed grade rate; additional skills needed; maximum progression to Grade 10 for existing Grade 9 ENI employees; list of lump sum recipients.
 
Attachment B- [SEE ORIGINAL]
 
Proposed Progression Path for each job grade
 
Narrative regarding Progression Path
Job Descriptions for Technician - Level 1, 2 and 3
 
NOTE: Names deleted - [See Original]
 
Amendment to June 30, 1993
ENI/HSC Statement of Issues and Agreement
 
The following changes are made to the June 30, 1993
Statement of Issues and Agreement:
 
1.         The Company presently uses an outside janitorial service to clean the     bathrooms and office space. HSC bargaining unit employees are responsible to clean up after their own jobs. Currently, there is an employee             whose job duties include all other janitorial duties inside the           plant. When needed, cleaning and janitorial duties will be assigned by seniority.
 
2.         Any future layoffs will be in accordance with the Collective Bargaining        Agreement
.
3.         XXXXX, XXXXX and XXXXX will be moved to the top of the highest (3)           grade level upon signing of the Reorganization Agreement. All employees           who are moved to the top of the highest (3) grade level by this Agreement    agree that they will use their most diligent efforts to pursue the training
and acquire the skills necessary to become fully proficient, so long as the training is in-house and/or Company paid.
 
THIS AGREEMENT PERTAINS TO ENI DIVISION EMPLOYEES ONLY
AND SETS NO PRECEDENT AFFECTING THE EXISTING
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT FOR ANY EMPLOYEES OF
OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS.
 
The June 30, 1993 ENI/HSC Reorganization Statement of Issues and
Agreement as revised by this Amendment, and certain of the CIUW
May 17, 1993 responses which have been incorporated, represent the
Agreement of the under-signed parties.
 
Connecticut Independent Utility Workers                     Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation
By: /s/ William J. Kelly 6/30/93                                    By: /s/ Frank H. Livingston 7/1/93
William J. Kelly (date)                                     Frank H. Livingston (date).
 
 
 
 
Progression Path
Individuals will be expected to work toward advancement to the next higher level. As an individual advances through the levels, They will be expected to perform the duties of the previous levels on an as needed basis. The individual will
perform duties at all ENI plant locations.
 
Technician - Level 1:
 
At this level, the Technician must have at least four years of experience in a power plant environment before consideration for this position. The individual must have a working knowledge of the equipment used in the generation of steam and chilled water. The individual must also have a good mechanical and electrical aptitude. During tenure at this level, the individual will perform the
duties outlined in the accompanying job descriptions. It is expected that the individual will perform these duties on an as needed basis at any location in the system.
 
Progression Rate:
Expected duration is a maximum of Twenty-four (24) months if qualified and performing all duties in a proficient manner as determined by Management.
Advancement contingent upon acquisition of additional Skills.
 
Technician - Level 2:
 
At this level, the Technician performs as a mid-level technician. The individual is expected to have two of the following trade skills: piping/mechanical, electrical,
instrumentation, equipment repair or operating skills. The individual will both assist higher level Technicians and function independently as their skills warrant. The individual will perform these duties on an as needed basis at any location in the system.
 
Progression Rate:
 
Expected duration is a maximum of three (3) years if qualified and performing all duties in a proficient manner as determined by Management. Advancement is
contingent upon the acquisition of additional skills.
 

Technician - Level 3:
 
The Technician must be fully proficient in all operating and maintenance skill areas at all facilities. The individual will perform these duties on an as needed basis at any location in the system. Advancement to this level requires that the individual be qualified and performing all duties of prior levels in a fully proficient manner as determined by Management.
 
Progression Rate:
 
Expected duration is a maximum of three (3) years if qualified and performing all duties in a proficient manner as determined by Management.
 
In all cases, the Company maintains the right to require trade licenses in order to properly balance trade skills of the work group. The company maintains this right even if it requires hiring from outside of the company.

ARTICLE XX

Term of Agreement
This Agreement shall be and remain in full force and effect until 12:00 midnight November 30, 2013 and thereafter for successive periods of one year, unless either party hereto on or before the sixtieth (60) day next preceding the terminal date shall notify the other party hereto in writing of its desire to modify or terminate this Agreement.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be signed by their duly authorized officers the day and year first above written.
 
For:
 
CONNECTICUT NATURAL GAS CORPORATION:
 
Robert M. Allessio, President & Chief Executive Officer
Joseph L. Vicidomino, Director Human Resources
 
Iris M. Calovine, Manager Human Resources
Robert Jalette, Director Regional Operations
David Morris, Lead Advisor
 
CONNECTICUT INDEPENDENT UTILITY WORKERS UNION LOCAL 12924:
 
Robert Eubanks,  President
Emery Fellinger, Vice President
Mark Whelden, Chief Steward
 
Union Committee:
David Belcher
Joseph Cap
Brenda Carson-Brown
Martin Ritter

ARTICLE XIX

Non-Discrimination Clause
The Company and the Union agree that they will not discriminate against an employee because of his/her race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, physical or mental disabilities, or any other basis prohibited by law.

ARTICLE XVIII

Maintenance of Standards
SECTION 1. It is the Company's intention to continue its past practices with respect to employee benefits that are not expressed in the contract. Should the Company contemplate diminution of any such employee benefits affecting bargaining unit employees, the matter will be discussed with the Union in advance of the change.
 
SECTION 2. The Employer shall not enter into any other written or oral agreement with any employee or group of employees covered by this Agreement which in any way violates the wages, hours, or working conditions of this Agreement. The Local Union shall have the right to recover from the Employer in its own name and on the employee's behalf the amount of any wages or other benefits which any member may waive or assign to the Employer.

ARTICLE XVII

Efficiency and Productivity
The objective of this provision is to relate adjustments in wages and benefits in future negotiations to a corresponding increase in work productivity resulting from the collective efforts of all employees and the Company.
 
The future of each employee and the Company as a whole is dependent upon continually improving acceptance by the public. Competitive cost is the key factor in acceptance, so it is essential that operations be conducted as efficiently as possible. Productivity is a major feature in efficient operations.
 
The Company and the Union mutually agree to work cooperatively toward the objectives of this Article.

ARTICLE XVI

Uniforms

The Employer agrees that if any employee is required to wear any kind of uniform as a condition of his/her continued employment, such uniform shall be furnished (parka and vest will be cleaned once a year) by the Employer, free of charge, at the standard required by the Employer.

The Employer shall replace all clothing, glasses, hearing aids, and/or dentures not covered by Company insurance or Workers' Compensation which are destroyed or damaged in a wreck or fire with Company equipment.  The Employer has the right to establish and maintain reasonable standards for wearing apparel and personal grooming.

No more than once a year, the union may request the Company to review alternate types of uniform items, specific to the job requirements of the work area. The Company will consider the request, but has the sole discretion as to whether a change is made. The Company agrees not to be capricious in making the decision. Uniforms will continue to be issued on a replacement basis only, subject to immediate supervisory approval; except for issues to new employees. If the Company determines to repair a uniform returned for replacement, any such repair will be at Company expense.

The Union may request a review of cold weather gear to determine the appropriateness. The Company will consider the request but has the sole discretion as to whether a change is to be made. The Company agrees not to be capricious in making the decision.

ARTICLE XV

Subcontracting

SECTION 1. For the purpose of preserving work and job opportunities for the employees covered by this agreement, the Employer agrees that no work or service of the kind, nature, or type covered by, presently performed, or hereafter assigned to the collective bargaining unit will be subcontracted, transferred, leased, assigned, or conveyed in whole or in part to any other plant, person, or nonunion employees, unless otherwise provided in this Agreement and is presently being subcontracted. The Company will discuss any additional subcontracting with the Union prior to subcontracting such work.

SECTION 2. The work normally performed by the Distribution Division employee will be done by the Company insofar as it is practical to do so.

The Company reserves the right to contract for such work when, in the judgment of the Company, special equipment is required or a time limitation is involved.

However, when a contractor or contractors are engaged in such work, normally performed by Company employees, in any calendar year, Distribution Division employees, who held such eligible positions on December 1, 2001, and any employee hired or transferred into the Distribution Division through January 1, 2003, will be guaranteed a minimum of thirty-four (34) eight (8) hour Saturdays in the calendar year scheduled at the Company's discretion.  Notification of the scheduling of such Saturdays shall take place no later than the Tuesday prior and employees will have forty-eight (48) hours to accept or decline such offered work.  In the event the Company and Union agree that stormy weather prohibits work being started on Saturday, the day will be banked for the affected individuals.  If, once work has commenced, the Union designee decides that the weather has become stormy, the employees will stop work and will be paid only for the hours worked.  The remainder of the day will not be banked.

ARTICLE XIV

Working Agreement

SECTION 1. The Company will pay one and one-half (1 ½ ) times the employee's basic rate while engaged in working from a suspended scaffolding or boatswain chair.

 
SECTION 2. The Company agrees that no employee on the payroll as of 12/1/2004 will be laid off for lack of work during the term of this Agreement.
 

SECTION 3. The Company agrees that in an effort to promote good communication between parties, when practicable, documents that are to be signed, exchanged or become part of the record will be provided in hard copy and also as an electronic file in PDF format.

ARTICLE XIII

 

Group Life, Hospitalization Insurance,
Retirement Plan and Employee Savings Plan
SECTION 1. The benefits applicable to employees under the group life, group medical (including prescription) plans in effect at this date will be continued for all employees, including those on Workers' Compensation, during the term of this Agreement.
 
From December 1, 2009 through November 30, 2013, pre-Medicare eligible retirees, who retire during the term of this agreement, will pay the same amount for medical as active employees. Upon expiration of this agreement they will pay the then applicable retiree medical rate.
Medicare eligible retirees will continue to pay the applicable retiree rate for their Medicare supplemental plan.
Employees hired on or after December 1, 2009 will not be eligible for the Company Retiree Health Plan and may participate in the Access Only alternative by paying the full cost of such benefits.

SECTION 2. Each employee will be insured for Forty-Six Thousand Dollars ($46,000) effective,  1/1/08, with an Accidental Death and Dismemberment provision while in active employment. Each employee will be offered the opportunity to purchase either Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000) or Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000) of additional term life insurance at a cost of thirty-three cents ($.33) per thousand per month, which will be made available during the initial open enrollment period without a qualifying physical, or for new employees, at date of hire. For work related accidental death on the job, the benefit will be triple the life insurance benefit. Employees who retire after December 1, 1988 will receive a death benefit of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) at retirement. This benefit will reduce to Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) at the rate of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) per year for the first five (5) years of retirement. The benefit will remain at Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) until age seventy (70), at which time it reduces to Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000). However, if during the first five (5) years of retirement the employee reaches age seventy (70), the benefit will immediately reduce to Four Thousand Dollars ($4,000) upon reaching age seventy (70).   Employees hired on or after December 1, 2009 will not be eligible for a death benefit upon retirement.
 
The Company will assume the cost of medical, prescription, dental and vision care insurance coverage, relating to the individual employee and his/her eligible dependents less the following employee contributions for medical coverage:
 
1.         Medical:
CTCare HMO and Excellus EPO (TEN Employees)
 
Weekly employee contribution amounts:                                  
 
Coverage
January 1, 2010
January 1, 2011
January 1, 2012
January 1, 2013
Single
$27.26
$29.17
$31.21
$33.40
Family
$70.00
$74.91
$80.15
$85.76
           
 
2.         If elected, Vision and/or Dental: 20% employee contribution.  Employees will be given the option to make contributions on a pre-tax basis.
 
Annually, prior to open enrollment, the Company will, at the Union’s request supply the Union with documentation of the prior year’s medical, dental and vision insurance experience including renewal rates and employee contributions for such insurance as derived from such information.
 
Effective January 1, 2003, the Company will implement a medical and dental spousal coverage plan. If a spouse works full-time (as defined by his or her employer) for a Company that offers medical and/or dental coverage and the Company shares in the cost of these coverages, the spouse must enroll in his or her employer's plans first. The employee can then enroll the spouse in CNG's plan if desired. The two plans will coordinate benefits. If neither the employee, their spouse and other family members elect coverage under the CNG medical benefit plan, the employee will receive a One Thousand Dollar ($1,000) annual credit amortized over the employee’s normal annual pay periods (Employee Medical Opt Out).
 
For the period December 1, 2009 through November 30, 2013, only, the Company will reimburse the premium contribution cost of single medical/dental coverage paid by any employee's spouse who receives primary medical/dental coverage from his/her employer, providing that the total premium cost to the employee does not exceed the cost to the Company to include the spouse as a dependent. The employee must present documentation satisfactory to the Company to receive reimbursement.
 
3.      The current Rx co-pays effective January 1, 2010 are:
  • ·                 $7 / $22 / $40 (retail drug) for up to a 30-day supply
  • ·                 $14 / $44 / $80 (mail order) for up to a 90-day supply
4.         The Company and Union will jointly review and mutually agree to any alternative health insurance plans to be offered effective January 1, 2011 as an option in addition to the existing plans (ConnectiCare and Excellus EPO).
 
SECTION 3. The Retirement Plan (The Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation Retirement Plan), dated January 1, 1941 and as amended effective December 31, 1967, shall continue for the life of this Agreement, dated December 1, 1985 and succeeding Agreements subject to such modifications as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties hereto. Furthermore, in appointing the Retirement Committee provided under Article 12 of the Retirement Plan, the Company will appoint a member designated by the Union for each member designated and appointed by the Company.
 
Any employee who retires on or after December 1, 2009 and who is vested in the CNG Retirement Plan, has 10 years of service, and who subsequently receives a Disability Retirement, shall be paid the greater of their accrued benefit or a minimum monthly benefit of $1,850 per month.
 
Minimum Normal Retirement Benefit - Plan Article 5, Section 5.2(d): In the case of an Employee who is credited with 30 years of credited service at retirement, the minimum monthly flat dollar amount of retirement benefit will be $1,850 for employees who retire on or after January 1, 2010.
 
Employees submitting a written notification of retirement will receive a Retirement Plan benefit calculation and will also receive appropriate documentation regarding retirement benefits.
 
Effective January 1, 2004 (1/1/04), the Company will implement a cash balance plan for employees hired on or after 1/1/04.
 
Cash Balance Plan Formula: The Company will credit the participants' cash balance account with a flat dollar amount of $3,500 per year and such credit will be applied at the end of each plan year. For plan years starting on and after January 1, 2010 the flat dollar amount will be $5,000 per year. Balances will earn interest equal to the 30-year treasury rate (or other comparable government index) but not less than 4% in effect on December 31 of the prior year and credited at the end of the subsequent year. Three year vesting will apply. Employees hired on or after December 1, 2009 will not be eligible to participate in the Company’s defined benefit pension plans.
 
For active employees who are 55 or older, and have at least 30 years of service, the survivor death benefit percentage will be 75% of the employee’s unreduced benefit or the minimum monthly flat retirement benefit, whichever is greater.
 
Effective December 1, 2005, an Employee who retires having fulfilled the requirements for a disability benefit will be entitled to a disability benefit equal to the greater of:
 
(a)      the normal retirement benefit he/she has accrued up to the date his/her employment terminates on account of such disability or
(b)       a minimum monthly benefit equal to the Minimum Normal Retirement Benefit.
 
SECTION 4. Effective July 1, 1988, all eligible employees covered by this Agreement may elect to participate in the Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation Union Employee Savings Plan and receive the company match as outlined below.
 
 

Years of Service                            Age                 Match

20 or more or                                   45       =         4.5%
10 or                                                35       =          3%
Less than 10 and under                   35       =          2%.
 
Said plan shall continue for the life of the Agreement entered into December 1, 1988 and succeeding Agreements subject to such modifications as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties thereto.
 
For employees hired on or after December 1, 2009, the Company’s matching contribution under the CNG 401k Savings Plan will be 1.50 times the employee’s contribution. The Company’s matching contribution will only apply to the first 6% of an employee’s contribution during a calendar year. This benefit is in lieu of any other pension plan benefit for employees hired on or after December 1, 2009.
 
Effective July 1, 2010, the Plan will be amended to include a Roth investment option which will be available to all employees eligible to participate in the Company’s 401k plan.
 
Effective July 1, 2010, the Plan will be amended to include withdrawals beginning at 59½ years of age.
 
NOTE: Retirement Plan, 401k Plan incorporated by reference. CD’s available upon request.

 

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