NJ American Water Strike Averted

New Jersey American Water and the union representing its workers reached a contract agreement Sunday morning that will avert a threatened work stoppage and could have affected drinking water for hundreds of thousands of people in seven New Jersey counties.

The contract for more than 200 workers expired January 31 at midnight. Talks continued Sunday morning in Woodbridge until the agreement was reached at about 8:15 a.m.

A work stoppage could have jeopardized service, including the company's response to water main breaks and other emergencies in Union, Middlesex, Somerset, Ocean, Mercer, Burlington and Hunterdon counties.

The union had authorized negotiators to call a strike on January 23.

About 240 workers from Local 423 of the Utility Workers Union of America will need to ratify the agreement. The local represents plant and station operators, clerical personnel, lab technicians, equipment operators, field service representatives, maintenance mechanics, meter readers, subforemen and general utility workers.