Entergy Locks Out Workers after Negotiations Break Down

Entergy has replaced union members with temporary workers today after the power company and Utility Workers of America Local 369 could not come to an agreement on a contract last night after weeks of negotiations.

Union members have not decided to strike, but Entergy decided to take no chances, according to company spokesman Carol Wightman.

"Local 369 has stated flatly that while its members are not on strike, they reserve the right to walk off the job at any time, without any notice, and leave the nuclear power plant critically understaffed and in violation of the plant's operating license," Wightman said.

"This disregard for public safety is unacceptable. Accordingly, the company’s contingency plan is being implemented."

NRC regulations allow for temporary staffing, Wightman said. "[It] is in the interest of safety and maintaining formal organizational controls on the plant site."

Replacement workers are taken from Pilgrim's management team and from Entergy's "nuclear fleet."

Up until this week, it appeared the two sides were close to an agreement, after the union's contract expired May 25. The contract was extended 10 days, until yesterday, and Entergy's proposal was to be taken to the union's membership. But negotiations ground to a halt last night.

"It is deeply alarming that Entergy has chosen to jeopardize the safety of our communities by locking out the workers who are critical to safely managing Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant," Union president Dan Hurley said. "It's despicable that one week after receiving a license renewal that will enable Entergy to make $1 million a day for the next 20 years from Pilgrim, the company insists upon shortchanging the hardworking men and women who keep this region safe and make this plant extremely profitable for company executives. These reckless actions show that Entergy is not serious about the safety of our communities or the wellbeing of workers.  We are calling on our supporters in our local communities, in city and town halls, at the State House and in other union halls to stand with us against these irresponsible, harmful actions by Entergy.

Pilgrim workers are picketing outside the plant on Rocky Hill Road.