William J. Kemble reports in the Daily Freeman CH Energy Group and Fortis Inc. has announced an agreement is imminent that will sway employees into endorsing Fortis's proposed $1.5 billion takeover of Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corp.'s parent company. A Central Hudson representative announced Mon., May 20, a pending labor agreement will now provide job protection against layoffs through April 30, 2017, and create additional jobs, as well. The IBEW Local 320, which represents the majority of Central Hudson’s employees, has been criticized by Central Hudson and Fortis Inc. officials for requesting evidentiary hearings in the proposed takeover. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.