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Thursday, May 15, 2008 --- 54 days ago http://www.patriotledger.com/homepage/x1880506031/ARE-WE-SAFE-IF-NUKE-WORKERS-ST
The Pilgrim nuclear power plant could see its first union strike since 1986 if the plant’s owner, Entergy Corp., fails to reach a new contract agreement with one group of workers by midnight today. Entergy has also said it might lock out employees if a deal isn’t reached.
Who are the players?
Entergy, the New Orleans-based company that has owned Pilgrim since 1999 is negotiating with the Utility Workers Union of America Local 369. About 250 of Pilgrim’s 650 employees would be covered by the contract that is being negotiated.
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is monitoring the situation closely but isn’t taking part in contract negotiations. On Wednesday, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service sent a mediator to Plymouth to help with negotiations.
What contract terms are in dispute?
The main sticking points include health care benefits, staffing and work conditions. Union workers in Local 369 include reactor operators, nuclear maintenance mechanics, radiation protection workers and others. They currently earn $60,000 to $80,000. Reactor operators work 12-hour shifts; others work eight to nine hours.
The union wants Entergy to follow new NRC fatigue rules, drop a mandatory overtime policy and add staff for some operations.
Why will Entergy lock out the union if a new contract isn’t reached by the time the current one expires?
The company says there are two reasons: extra costs an ... |
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