With a new four-year contract in hand and striking workers back on the job at the Pantex nuclear weapons plant, Consolidated Nuclear Security is expected to get start soon on negotiations for a new labor agreement at Y-12.
CNS manages both plants for the National Nuclear Security Administration, and the Y-12 talks have on hold for months while CNS focused effort on the Pantex contract.
“We are working together with ATLC (Atomic Trades and Labor Council) leadership on the necessary preparations for a successful contract negotiation that results in a fair and equitable agreement,” CNS communications chief Jason Bohne said via email. “Formal negotiations will begin later this month at a mutually agreed-upon date.”
ATLC President Steve Jones said he was optimistic of getting a good contract. The labor council represents 13 unions and about 1,100 hourly workers at Y-12, and Jones said he’d like to get at least a five-year contract if possible.
“I think that’s attainable,” Jones said.
He said he met with the ATLC negotiating team on Tuesday to discuss strategy. The Oak Ridge union officials, of course, have looked at the newly negotiated contract at Pantex, but Jones noted that there are some basic difference between the Y-12 and Pantex contracts and so negotiations won’t be the same.
While no official date has been set, Jones said Oct. 19 is a possible time for the start of negotiations at Y-12.
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