USW, NWP Extend Labor Contract by a Month; WIPP Strike Still Possible

United Steel Workers and Waste Isolation Pilot Plant operator Nuclear Waste Partnership (NWP) have failed to negotiate a labor agreement, but on Thursday agreed to extend their contract through Dec. 18. The Carlsbad Current-Argus reported on Monday that the 250 unionized employees working for the WIPP contractor could strike by the end of 2015 if NWP does not meet USW’s proposed wage increase. “While Nuclear Waste Partnership is disappointed that the United Steel Workers rejected the company’s offer, we are pleased that NWP and USW have agreed to an additional contract extension until December 18,” NWP spokesman Donavan Mager said by email. “NWP remains hopeful an agreement can be reached with the Union in the near future.”

 

“I am hoping we are able to work through this. Nobody wants a strike,” the article quoted local USW President Rick Fuentes as saying. Weapons Complex Morning Briefing was unable to reach Fuentes for comment yesterday. USW-represented WIPP workers started negotiating with NWP management on July 31, and the contract negotiations have been extended five times. The article also cited Fuentes as saying NWP is offering a wage increase that is not fair to offset increases in workers’ costs such as medical coverage.