Congressman Keating Calls Pilgrim Lockout 'Simply Unacceptable'

As of Thursday evening, Entergy had not yet offered to reopen negotiations with the Utility Workers of America Local 369, the union representing more than 300 employees at Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station, after the utility locked out union members Wednesday morning after the union's contract expired.

Congressman Bill Keating is among the many state and federal legislators who is displeased with the Louisiana-based company, particularly after Pilgrim receiced a .

"The fact that the experienced workers – who have dedicated their lives to developing the expertise needed to best operate a nuclear plant – are currently locked out of Pilgrim is not just unsafe, it is simply unacceptable," Keating said in a press release from his office. "We need a swift resolution to this issue now, and the only way for that to happen is for everyone to come to the table.  Escorting workers from their post at midnight, however, does not signal the willingness to negotiate.  In fact, it signals a total disregard for the workers who are employed there.  I am urging Entergy to swiftly return to the table in good faith so that the professionals who know their responsibilities and this plant the best can get back to doing their jobs."

Union members have been picketing at the plant's entrance on Rocky Hill Road and State Road since Wednesday morning. Entergy closed the Edisson access road from State Road Thursday.