Rally for Natural Gas Pipeline

TWU Local 101 rallied in downtown Brooklyn in solidarity with other unions, underscoring that a new pipeline is essential for a reliable energy system and the continued employment of thousands of blue-collar workers.

In the days following the rally, the Public Service Commission (PSC) voted to accept National Grid’s Long Term Gas Plan. In response, TWU Local 101 President Constance Bradley issued the following statement: “Today’s decision by the PSC to accept National Grid’s Long Term Gas Plan is a major win for labor. In doing so, they also validated that there is a need for the NESE project which will generate over 3,000 good-paying union jobs and support thousands more across key industries. This is a vote of confidence in New York’s workforce and economic future by the State, and we thank them.”

The demonstration took place outside the CityTech auditorium on Jay Street, where the New York State Power Authority held a hearing on energy policy, allowing for public comment.

Local 3 Chairman from National Grid in Staten Island, Pete Primont, opened the rally by thanking everyone for coming out and stressing the importance of the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) Pipeline Project.

At issue for the unions is whether New York State will greenlight the NESE Project — a 37-mile underwater pipeline from New Jersey, which would bring an additional 400,000 dekatherms of natural gas per day to the Northeast, including to New York City. President Constance Bradley flew in from the TWU Constitutional Convention in Las Vegas specifically to address the members.

“Major infrastructure projects like this one are the heartbeat of our workforce. These projects build and strengthen communities, create new opportunities, and ensure that front line workers benefit from New York's economic growth," Bradley told the crowd. “The Northeast Supply Enhancement project will create long-term job opportunities, strong wages and benefits across many industries. It will invest in our communities and secure, affordable, reliable energy. Let's be clear. The Northeast Supply Enhancement project means jobs — thousands of good-paying union jobs right here in New York City,” she added.

IBEW Local 1049 Business Manager Patrick Guidice, preceding Sister Bradley on the mic, said: “Natural gas cannot go away. It’s imperative that we bring in more natural gas – not just to protect our jobs – but because that product drives the economic engine of this city. Without natural gas, nothing moves. We can’t power businesses economically; we cannot heat our homes. To go to an all-electric system is not viable today. We can’t get there, not today. Not with the technology we have. Eventually, we will get there. But today, natural gas is more important than ever. It's a clean source of energy. We are not polluting the environment.

“The NESE Pipeline is not just about renewable energy sources. It’s about supporting clean energy. Our power plants are powered by the product that we supply. It can’t be simply one energy source. With the issues that we face today, can we just rely on having a single source? The answer is absolutely no. We need a plan in the State of New York, not a ban.”

Guidice further emphasized that natural gas is affordable, in contrast to electric-only appliances which are much more expensive.

TWU Local 100 Special Projects Manager Terrence Kenniff brought greetings from Union President John Chiarello, currently attending the TWU International Convention in Las Vegas.

“He wishes he could be standing with you here in person,” Kenniff said of President Chiarello, “but he is here with you in spirit as are the rest of our 44,000 members. Let’s be clear: The men and women of Local 101 keep this city alive – every connection that powers New York runs through your hands. Without you, the lights go out, and the city stops moving… we can’t stand by as they shut down natural gas and electrify everything in New York City. It’s an unattainable goal and will make it no longer possible to afford to live in New York City. We must stand up and make sure that NESE comes through and we protect our union jobs and keep this city running.”