Gov. Bill Richardson and IBEW Asst. Business Manager Tom Ryan discuss PSNH Writers.New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, while campaigning in New Hampshire for the Democratic Presidential nomination, expressed concern to PSNH representatives about their anti-union tactics against IBEW 1837's drive to organize "Writers" at the company. Field Technicians and Field Technician Specialists (also known as "Writers") have recently been subjected to mandatory anti-union meetings at company facilities. These mandatory meetings could soon be outlawed under HB 254, now being considered by the New Hampshire Legislature.

Gov. Richardson was in Portsmouth touring Public Service of New Hampshire's Schiller plant on Sunday, May 6. The power plant, which recently converted one of its coal-fired boilers to wood chips, is seen by the former Energy Secretary as a model for helping to cut our reliance on fossil fuels while safeguarding the environment. While he was "impressed by the plant," Richardson took the opportunity to support the efforts of the Writers to join IBEW Local 1837.

Gov. Richardson, a supporter of the Employee Free Choice Act, asked PSNH representatives why they were fighting the organization campaign. He reminded company officials that Union labor often provides the best quality work. During the deep conversation that followed, PSNH representatives told Gov. Richardson that they valued their relationship with IBEW 1837 and would share his concerns with PSNH executives.

IBEW also values our relationship with PSNH. However, their anti-union campaign does not reflect well on the Company's willingness to act cooperatively and fairly with the workers and the Union. The Field Technicians and Field Technician Specialists have earned the right to be treated with dignity and respect. By exercising their legal right to join our Union, they have taken a huge step toward making that happen.