Hydro One union seeks strike okay

The 1,000 members of the Society of the Energy Professionals will vote at locations across the province, with ballots counted March 23.

The two sides begin talks with a provincial conciliator March 29.

In a letter to members, the society says Hydro One proposed extending employees' base hours to 40 hours a week from 35 hours with no additional compensation.

Hydro One has also proposed "major cuts" in benefits and pensions, and wants increased freedom to contract out, the society says.

"Hydro One's doing very well, and there's no good reason to come after us for concessions," local vice-president Keith Rattai says in the letter.

It notes that Hydro One chief executive Tom Parkinson's pay rose 35 per cent last year, to $1.475 million from $1.09 million.

Peter Gregg, vice-president of Hydro One, wouldn't comment on the specifics of negotiations.

"Our preference remains a two-party settlement. We are still hopeful that will happen," he said.

Society members include engineers, accountants and front-line supervisory staff earning an average of $85,000 a year.