March 17, 2014

ATLC RATIFIES NEW CONTRACT EXTENSION AT Y-12

By ExchangeMonitor

Union workers at the Y-12 National Security Complex on Friday ratified a one-year contract extension, which includes 2 ½ percent pay increases and averts a rush to get a new contract negotiated once the new combined Y-12/Pantex contractor takes over the management role at the facility. Steve Jones, president of the Atomic Trades and Labor Council, confirmed the contract extension—through June 22, 2014—but declined to give the vote tally from the rank and file. The contract takes effect later this month, which in effect makes it a 14-month contract. The current labor agreement was due to expire June 22, and the National Nuclear Security Administration authorized B&W Y-12 to negotiate an extension in order to avoid problems during the upcoming change of management contractors at the Oak Ridge plant.

The NNSA earlier this year awarded a $22 billion contract to Consolidated Nuclear Security, a partnership that includes Bechtel National and Lockheed Martin. However, that contract award is under protest, which has delayed the transition of contractors and put additional pressure on several fronts. The Government Accountability Office is current writing the decision on the protests and is expected to make its recommendation on or before April 29. Jones said getting the contract extension is “one less thing we’ve got to worry about.” He added: “It’s good for our members, it’s good for Y-12 to get this behind us. And we’re glad it’s ratified. We’ll look forward to sitting down with the new contractor when they get here and moving forward,” he said. B&W Y-12 spokeswoman Ellen Boater said the company was pleased by the union vote. “We look forward to continuing our productive relationship ensuring the missions of the National Nuclear Security Administration at Y-12,” she said.

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