Entergy, Union Agree to Resume Labor Talks

More than a week after locking out union workers under the threat of a strike, Entergy, the owner of Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station, and the Utility Workers Union of America Local 369 have agreed to resume labor negotiations beginning Monday, June 18.

The Louisiana-based nuclear power generation company locked out union employees after the two sides failed to come to an agreement as the previous contract expired June 5.

Approximately 250 employees at Pilgrim were affected by the lockout, and many have been picketing outside the plant since June 5.

"The company remains committed to good faith negotiations," according to an email from Entergy spokesman Carol Wightman

Dan Hurley, president of UWUA Local 369, said union leadership has been "ready and willing to negotiate at all times throughout this process and are pleased to finally be heading back to the bargaining table on Monday afternoon....There is absolutely no reason why the company should not be able to reach agreement on a fair contract that recognizes the hard work of the men and women who run the plant, keep it safe and make it extremely profitable for management," Hurley continued. "It's also time for Entergy to end this lockout, which needlessly puts the safety of our communities at risk."

Wightman said that until an agreement on a new contract is reached, Entergy will continue using replacement workers at the plant.