DOMINION EMPLOYEES CONCERNED ABOUT $3.5 BILLION SALE

(03/22/2010)
Dominion Resources and the United Gas Workers union have less than two weeks to finish a labor deal.

Local 69 workers are concerned about the contract with the $3.5 billion sale of Dominion to Pennsylvania-based coal producer Consol Energy.

Local 69 President Charlie Rittenhouse says Dominion's proposed sale of its exploration and production operations is complicating the talks.

Local 69 workers are expected to remain with Dominion after the sale's scheduled April 30 closing.

Rittenhouse says there is much work on the contract, including discussing health premiums and wages.

During previous contract fights, the company has attempted and in some situations shaved employee benefits.