The union that represents more than 400 workers at the Pilgrim nuclear plant in Plymouth has scheduled a vote this week on whether to authorize leadership to call a strike.
The Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) says contract negotiations with the Entergy-owned plant have stalled over health care costs and working conditions.
"I’ve heard clearly from my members that they would rather strike than accept Entergy’s ongoing efforts to cost shift medical coverage and change their working conditions," UWUA President Daniel Hurley said. "This vote is absolutely critical to the safety of our communities and the well-being of our members."
Entergy spokesperson Carol Wightman says they are still negotiating with the union, which she says is the plant’s production, maintenance, office and technical union.
“Contract negotiations between Entergy and Local 369 union are ongoing,” said Wightman. “We are continuing to negotiate in good faith, and we are working toward coming to a fair and equitable agreement between Entergy and the union.”
Wightman also said a strike would not interrupt operations, and that the company could bring in employees from any of the 10 other nuclear plants it owns.
The vote is scheduled for Friday. The contract between the UWUA and Entergy expires on May 15th.