Opinion: State Rep Candidate Supports National Grid Workers

WILMINGTON, MA -- The following letter to the editor was submitted by Wilmington Selectman Michael McCoy, who is one of eight candidates running for state representative for Wilmington and Tewksbury.

Dear Editor

At our recent selectmen's meeting on Monday, July 9, 2018 under Public Comments, union representatives employed by National Grid spoke out relative to their concerns. Union Representative John Balafani (sp?), President of Union 12012 of the United Steel Workers Union stated that National Grid is currently using outside contractors and inspectors from all parts of the country that are inexperienced in the duties that are usually performed by the union members. When you're messing with gas without professional know-how, as the union members are all too aware--it is completely unsafe and dangerous and puts the public at risk.

As a member of the Wilmington Board of Selectmen and as a candidate for State Representative for the towns of Tewksbury and Wilmington, I stated at that meeting "The last thing we need is a bunch of gypsies doing the work and putting the public in danger." The board of selectmen instructed the manager to look into this and to report back to the board.

I want the National Grid employees who live in Wilmington and Tewksbury to know I fully support the United Steel Workers Locals 12012 and 12003. It was brought to our attention by the President at that selectmen's meeting that we may have some form of regulatory power under Chp. 164. sect. 75 m.g.l. in order to right this serious matter. I'm very supportive of all the unions. While I was going to college, I worked along Local 25 the Teamsters as a spare. I used to load and unload trucks at M & M Trucking in Chelsea, Service Warehouse, and Corkum in Wilmington. When Xpedx in Wilmington on Main Street went on strike many years ago, as a member of the Wilmington Board of Selectmen, I stood with them as they were striking. Former Congressman Tierney was there as well. As the former owner of Michael's Place Restaurant, I brought pizzas, sodas and waters for all the people on strike. I fully support all the Union's endeavors and I'm with you all the way. Don't hesitate to give me a call at 978-657-5495 if I can help you out in any way.

Sincerely,
Wilmington Selectman Michael V. McCoy
Democratic Candidate for State Representative
19th Middlesex District for Tewksbury and Wilmington

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Photo by Michael V. McCoy.