/ Local News

05/16/2008

Associated Press

The threat of a midnight strike at Pilgrim Nuclear Station was averted Thursday night as the plant's operator and a labor union reached a new four-year agreement.

David Leonardi, vice president of Utility Workers Union of America Local 369, said the negotiators not only agreed on a new deal for the 254 workers whose contract was expiring Thursday night, but also for 90 workers in another unit at the plant whose contract expires in October. The two groups make up about half of the workers at Massachusetts' only nuclear power plant.

"We've very happy with the agreement," Leonardi said. He said details would not be disclosed before union members have a chance to review them. A ratification vote is set for May 23.

Dave Tarantino, a spokesman for New Orleans-based Entergy, said "We feel it was a good contract for both sides."

The two sides resumed talks Wednesday with a federal mediator, at the urging of state officials, after saying they were far apart on several issues.

"Governor Patrick and I commend the employee and management for their efforts in reaching a fair agreement," said Suzanne Bump, the state's secretary of Labor and Workforce Development. " I have been in close contact with both sides throughout the week and have been extremely impressed by their professionalism and mutual determination to avoid a disruption in the safe operation of the facility."

Entergy had said it was prepared to run the plant with more than 100 replacement workers if there were a strike. The union asked the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission to close the plant in that event.

The plant can produce 685 megawatts, enough to provide electricity to more than 500,000 homes.