Most of the jobs to be cut are meter readers.

BANGOR (AP) – About 40 unionized jobs at Bangor Hydro-Electric Co., most of them meter readers, will be eliminated under terms of a contract approved by union members.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers No. 1837 voted 86-52 Saturday to approve the job cuts as part of an agreement that includes a one-year extension of the existing line workers’ contract.

“There was a great deal of discussion,” said David Bofinger, business manager for the union. “At the end of the day, they voted to accept the proposal.”

Meter readers who are being replaced by $15 million in computerized equipment will receive severance packages that are double the amount called for under the existing contract.

“They’re getting twice the money and the big thing they’re getting is health care for two years,” Bofinger said. “If they’re paying $15 a week now, that’s what they’ll be paying.”

The utility also will pay for career counseling and cover tuition at any state community college or university for three years.

The new meter-monitoring equipment will eliminate jobs with 30 meter readers, four stock clerks and eventually five electricians.

Under the terms of the agreement, the line workers’ contract will be extended to January 2006 and workers will also receive two bonuses with a combined total of 3.75 percent of annual base pay.

The agreement requires the remaining work force of line workers, electricians, meter technicians, mechanics and four meter readers to accept flexible scheduling and “cross crafting,” which means performing jobs outside their normal trade.

“The work force is being reduced by 33 percent,” said Bofinger. “And last year it was reduced by 25 percent plus.”

AP-ES-03-29-04 0946EST