TWU Local 101 FILES LAWSUIT TO BLOCK 2025 GAS BAN ON NEW CONSTRUCTION
October 13, 2023
A coalition of businesses and unions, including TWU Local 101, has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block a ban on gas stoves and furnaces in new buildings that could go into effect in 2025.
The planned ban would only apply to new construction, and would not impact existing National Grid customers, or the distribution system Local 101 inspects and maintains. But it would be illegal, make the energy system less reliable, and result in a loss of construction, plumbing, and other jobs, the lawsuit says. It’s also unnecessary because low-carbon fuels can decarbonize that distribution system, allowing for growth for our members while ensuring good paying jobs for decades to come.
The lawsuit argues that the federal government – not the state – has the ultimate say on how to regulate the use of energy, including gas appliances and equipment. The ban, therefore, is unenforceable, the lawsuit argues. Local 101 President Constance Bradley said a new-construction gas prohibition would be a “betrayal of working New Yorkers”
“New York will be destroying good union jobs that sustain working families in neighborhoods across the outer boroughs today – and will be needed to sustain them the future. “
The electric grid, meanwhile, is not capable of taking on the additional load required if all newly constructed buildings couldn’t have gas service.
“New York’s electrical grid is not even close to being prepared for this forced changeover to an all-electric NYC and state,” she said. “Until the grid has the capacity to run an all-electric New York, this is simply not good policy. In fact, it is a betrayal of working New Yorkers.”
The other plaintiffs in the lawsuit include the National Association of Home Builders, the New York State Builders Association, Mulhern Gas Company, IBEW Local 1049, IBEW Local 97, and Plumbers Local 200. The state Legislature and Governor approved the ban earlier this year as part of its climate action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
LOCAL 101 PRESIDENT BRADLEY SELECTED AS ONE OF THE TOP 100 LABOR LEADERS IN NYC
Sept. 7, 2023
City & State, an influential news outlet focusing on politics, government, and unions, placed Constance in the 79th position for its “2022 NYC Labor Law Power 100” ranking.
“These are the leaders behind a revitalized labor movement in the city,” City & State wrote.
Here’s what they had to say about Constance:
“Representing over 1,600 employees of National Grid in Brooklyn and Queens, Transport Workers Union Local 101 is spearheaded by President Constance Bradley. Bradley has not hesitated to stand up for her members’ livelihoods – even if it means criticizing the most powerful politicians in the state. When Gov. Kathy Hochul backed a plan to ban gas hookups in new construction, Bradley warned that the ban would “wipe out thousands of good union jobs” and rallied workers to oppose it.”
Congratulations to President Bradley!
CONGRATULATIONS!! THE CONTRACT WAS OVERWHELMINGLY RATIFIED.
OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR YOUR MEDICAL AND OTHER BENEFITS WILL TAKE PLACE BETWEEN NOV. 9 AND NOV. 15. CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Strong job, wage, and benefit protections secured.
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TWU LOCAL 101 MEMBERS ARE '“UNSUNG HEROES”
TWU Local 101 members are praised as the “unsung heroes” of the Coronavirus Crisis in this News 12 report featuring President Constance Bradley and Recording Secretary John Nellis.
“The next time you turn on the stove consider the utility workers out there,” reporter Katie Vasquez says in the video.
President Bradley said this the members: “I’m extremely proud of all of you and I’m glad you are getting the attention and praise you deserve. Because of you, millions of people are able to heat their homes, keep the lights on and cook for their families.”
