Contract Talks Extended 24 Hours At Indian Point

CORTLANDT, NY — As their union contract expired, workers at Indian Point and the nuclear plant's owner agreed to extend contract negotiations 24 hours, according to a spokesman for Entergy. The 300 workers had voted to strike.

"Our livelihoods are at stake and Entergy, as the Governor announced in 2016, is looking to skedaddle back to Louisiana. Local 1-2 wants a fair shake from Entergy and looking to the future, we believe we are the best workers to ensure the continued safe operation of Indian Point. We have a safety record second to none," Local 1-2 President James T. Slevin said in a statement Wednesday afternoon.

Local 1-2 represents the operations, radiation protection, chemistry and maintenance workers at the plant. They are seeking a new Collective Bargaining Agreement through 2022, which is the year after Indian Point is scheduled to close and which would keep the experienced nuclear plant workers on hand when the shutdown process begins.

Marilyn Elie, a long time union supporter and a member of the Indian Point Safe Energy Coalition, expressed sympathy for the workers.

"The Indian Point Safe Energy Coalition has always supported local union members doing the decommissioning work for both reactors," she said. "They are the ones who know the plant and can do the best work to close the plant safely and keep high level radioactive material isolated from people and the environment.

"We also understand, like Local 1. 2, that high level radioactive waste will be on site for the foreseeable future. While many are uncomfortable with this idea, it is the best and safest place for it. Transportation is dangerous and inflicting our mess on another community is immoral."

SEE: Strike Looms At Indian Point Nuclear Plant