After a resounding “No” vote by the membership on July 13th the IBEW Local 1900 Washington Gas Negotiating Committee went back to work. After the committee got the economic offer increased to include a first-time wage inequity “bump” for the Field Operations members, the 3-year pact was approved by the membership on July 21st. The pact includes numerous improvements in contract language, premiums, On-Call provisions and 3% wage increases in each of the contract years. A $500 ratification bonus was put back on the table by the company in the 11th hour, and clerical unit employees have a guarantee of no layoffs for the duration of the contract.