HONOLULU — An electrical workers union is now saying it supports NextEra Energy Inc.’s proposed purchase of Hawaiian Electric Industries after being in opposition of the sale since it was announced in December.
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1260 had previously opposed HEI’s sale to NextEra because the Florida-based company hadn’t committed to training union workers for new jobs, The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports.
Local 1260 said Tuesday that it has changed its stance after reaching an agreement with NextEra. The company in a written statement said it would recognize the union as the exclusive bargaining agent for its members and train union workers for new technology jobs. Next Era also promised that there would be no layoffs for two years after the sale’s closing.
Local 1260’s backing of NextEra has come after months of negotiations that began when the company announced in December its plans to buy HEI.
“I am very proud to see that this lengthy and exhaustive process has culminated in an agreement that best serves not only Local 1260 and NextEra Energy, but also provides protections for our members and their families, has great benefits for our communities, and will deliver both short- and long-term cost benefits to energy consumers across this state,” said Brian Ahakuelo, the union’s business manager and financial secretary, in a statement.
Ahakuelo said the union will submit the agreement to the Public Utilities commission, which has to approve NextEra’s proposal before the sale can be finalized.