DTE, union reach tentative contract agreement

DETROIT (AP) - A union for Detroit-based DTE Energy Co. workers and the utility have reached a tentative contract agreement.

Utility Workers Union of America Local 223 says in a statement released early Monday that it will soon set up ratification meetings with its members to vote on whether to accept the tentative deal.

DTE spokesman John Austerberry confirmed the agreement Monday and said the company had no additional comment.

Negotiations began April 7. The contract for one group expired Sunday. The union represents 4,000 DTE workers.

The union last week said its members approved authorized a possible strike as the two sides negotiated a contract. The vote didn't automatically result in a strike but authorized the union to call one.