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Even notoriously slow cable guys handled a blackout quicker yesterday than Con Ed bosses subbing for locked-out workers.
When a manhole fire knocked out air conditioners in 90 homes and businesses in western Brownsville at 12:30 p.m., firefighters and cops were on the scene within minutes.
Con Ed still hadn’t shown when Cablevision workers arrived, ready to repair TV and Internet service near the corner of Linden Boulevard and Amboy Street, right next to Brookdale Hospital.
It wasn’t until around 2 p.m. — 90 minutes behind the firefighters — that area residents saw Con Ed trucks appear in the sweltering neighborhood.
“I would expect Con Edison to show up first for this type of problem,” said Jathniel Thomas, 66.
Con Ed workers shared the frustration. A manager assigned to the repair crew admitted he can’t wait until the union is back on the job.
“We’re not against the union. They know we need more guys out here,” said Kerry Smith, a 27-year Con Ed veteran.
The Brownsville outage was the biggest that Con Ed reported yesterday. Most power was restored by late afternoon.
Negotiators for Con Ed and Local 1-2 of the Utility Workers Union of America met yesterday for the first time since negotiations broke down Saturday night.
About 4,000 Con Ed workers rallied outside the company’s headquarters yesterday morning. Talks have made no progress.
Con Ed says it would continue negotiations and extend the existing contract if employees return.
Meanwhile, the union yesterday filed a complaint over the lockout with the National Labor Relations Board.