Deadline looms in labor talks at nuclear plant (PLYMOUTH, Mass)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/5780361.html

May 14, 2008, 5:08PM

PLYMOUTH, Mass. — The operator of Pilgrim Nuclear Station said Wednesday it would run the plant with replacement workers if a contract covering more than 250 employees expires late Thursday with no new labor agreement or extension.

Negotiators for New Orleans-based plant owner Entergy Corp. were meeting in Plymouth on Wednesday with representatives for 254 members of Utility Workers Union of America Local 369. Spokesmen for both sides said sticking points remained over wages, benefits and other issues as negotiators tried to replace a four-year pact set to expire at 11:59 p.m. Thursday.

Union members began voting Wednesday on whether to authorize leaders to call a strike if talks break down or if no agreement to extend the contract is reached. Results of the balloting were expected Wednesday night.

Entergy spokesman Dave Tarantino said more than 100 replacement workers called in from other company locations and from contractors were prepared to keep the plant running if no contract deal or extension were reached by the deadline.

Allowing unionized employees to continue running the plant without a labor agreement could put its operators in violation of federal nuclear plant safety rules, Tarantino said.

FULL story at link.