Potomac Edison Customer Shopping List: Candles

The union busters at FirstEnergy are at it again.  The Herald-Mail reports that local union members have rejected FirstEnergy's contract offer.  The local union represents workers from Frederick and Washington counties in Maryland, the Waynesboro area in Pennsylvania, and West Virginia's eastern panhandle.

The company and the union have been negotiating for a new contract since March 2013. Federal mediators have been involved during the past several months.
Whalen said union members are upset at FirstEnergy demands such as that they use their own "vehicles on their own time" to reach construction and maintenance worksites, and, because the utility is at "an all-time low staffing level," each worker is being forced to respond to emergency calls far more often than was normal a few years ago.

Union rep. Robert Whalen said that by rejecting the contract offer, union members have authorized a strike, if necessary.

But never fear, Potomac Edison customers... useless PR flack Toad Meyers has promised to keep your lights on by magic!

...the utility has plans to continue providing electrical power to its 382,000 customers in Potomac Edison’s Maryland and West Virginia territory “no matter what happens,” company spokesman Todd Meyers said.

“We’ll keep the lights on for our customers,” he said.

It must be magic, because I don't think Toad could cut it in lineman school.  I'm still waiting for him to come read my electric meter and he hasn't shown yet!  I wonder if they'll let him use a company truck for that, or will he have to use his own vehicle?  In case your lights go out, don't bother with the emergency number, call Toad:  (724) 838-6650.

I'm going to stock up on candles and gas for the generator.  I have no faith in Toad's promises.