The 3,000 Alabama Power employees represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) have ratified a new three-year contract with the electric utility, chief negotiators for both the union and the company announced today. The contract is effective immediately.

"This has been a long summer, with both sides working long hours to come to this agreement," said Ronnie Smith, chief negotiator for Alabama Power. "We believe the contract is fair to all parties, including not only the company and its employees, but also our customers and stockholders."

"The package contains an increase in general wages and enhanced benefits that reflect the needs of our employee," said Alan Carden, business manager for IBEW's Council U-19 and chief negotiator for the union. "We are pleased with the contract."

The contract proposal, which the union offered as a counter to Alabama Power's last offer, was ratified this morning.

The old contract expired Aug. 15, but both parties agreed to work under its terms and conditions until a new agreement could be reached.

"We are pleased to have this effort behind us so that we can move forward with the business of serving our customers," said Smith, who is vice president of Alabama Power's east Alabama region.

Alabama Power's has a total of about 6,700 employees. Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company , provides reliable, affordable electricity to more than 1.3 million customers across the state.

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SOURCE: Alabama Power Company