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The NRC’s
Region I Office has been monitoring contract negotiations for some unionized workers at the
Pilgrim nuclear power plant.
The Plymouth, Mass., plant is operated by Entergy Nuclear Operations.
The United Workers Union of America Local 369 represents members of the
maintenance, radiation protection, chemistry, and operations
organizations. The two sides have been unable to reach a contract
agreement and Entergy is using replacement workers to staff union
positions throughout the plant.
This
isn’t the first contract negotiations the region, or agency, has
tracked. Most have settled before contract expiration, but workers at
Nine Mile Point in Scriba, N.Y., took to the picket lines last summer for several week. And, unionized workers at
Oyster Creek in Forked River, N.J. struck for nearly three months in 2003.
While
job actions don’t happen that frequently, the NRC is prepared when they
do. In advance of the contract expiration, the company that operates
the plant develops a contingency plan to allow it to continue operating
in the event of a strike. The NRC Resident Inspectors assigned to the
site review the plans and discuss the actions being taken to prepare for
a strike, should it occur.
The
NRC doesn’t involve itself in contract negotiations. We ensure that the
minimum requirements of the facility’s license and technical
specifications are maintained at all times. We also review the
qualifications of replacement workers to ensure the continued safe
operation of the facility.
During
the final hours of a contract, the two NRC Resident Inspectors at the
site are supplemented by additional inspectors from the Regional Office.
Should there be a strike, we have round-the-clock control room coverage
by NRC inspectors for the first 48 hours and continued additional site
coverage for at least the first two weeks.
Until a settlement is reached, we’ll ensure the plant continues to be operated safely.
Diane Screnci
Senior Public Affairs Officer, Region I
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