The Utility Workers Union of America Local 369 announced today it has started a new round of negotiations with Louisiana-based Entergy Corp. in an effort to reach agreement on a contract for tech workers at Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant.

According to a release from the UWUA local, the current contract for the 62 tech workers, who are responsible for duties that range from maintaining plant safety to managing information technology systems, expires on Oct. 24.

"We are optimistic that we will reach a resolution with Entergy before our current contract expires," UWUA President Daniel Hurley said. "We’re dedicated to ensuring that our workers and the communities surrounding Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant stay safe and that the hard working men and women who keep this plant operating each day have adequate health coverage for them and their families. Hopefully, Entergy shares that commitment."

Entergy and the UWUA engaged in contentious contract negotiations over the summer for nearly 250 employees. In June, Entergy began a lockout of union members that lasted more than a month before an agreement was finally reached in early July.

"It’s in everybody’s best interest to avoid another lockout," Hurley said.

Hurley said the lockout led to "unqualified replacement workers" filling positions, putting "the safety of the entire region at risk.

"We want to keep our tech workers on the job doing the work they are trained to do, and we hope that Entergy will bargain with us in good faith.”

Entergy operates or manages ten nuclear power plants around the nation, including those in Michigan, Vermont, Arkansas and Mississippi.