Hundreds rally in Boston in support of locked out gas workers

BOSTON — Hundreds turned out for a rally in Boston in support of the more than 1,000 gas workers who have been locked out after a negotiations stalemate.

They claim National Grid refused to let them continue working during unsuccessful contract negotiations. Local workers have been out of work since June 25 and say they've had their health insurance cut off on July 1.

New Kids on the Block singer Joey McIntyre, a Jamaica Plain native and son of a local bricklayer, lead the national anthem outside the State House and spoke out in support of the workers.

“I’m a union baby, my dad had a great job and was able to put a roof over nine kids - can you imagine that nowadays?" said McIntyre.

McIntyre's words resonating with the masses who marched from City Hall to the State House, many of whom have been off the job for nearly a month now, claiming National Grid refused to let them continue working during contract negotiations.

Many who attended the rally said they felt represented by a hometown hero like McIntyre and were happy to see him backing them up during the lockout.

“Just someone from hometown showing support that’s made it in the entertainment industry that still knows where he roots are - that’s true Boston, that’s a true Bostonian right there," said Brandy DiPaula, a unionized worker.

In a statement, National Grid told Boston 25 News:

In the absence of a tentative agreement on all outstanding issues, the company made the difficult decision to implement its work continuation plan to ensure uninterrupted and safe gas service for our customers by deploying a workforce of skill contractors and management employees.

The spokesperson went on to tell Boston 25 News that the company never walked away from the bargaining table with the two unions involved.

The two sides are set to meet again Thursday and on July 26 to continue negotiations.

RELATED: Gas workers off the job after contract talks stall

Cox Media Group