The Westinghouse Electric Company has locked out 172 union employees at its Newington plant following a breakdown in contract negotiations.
Members of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers were notified of the lockout Sunday night after the two sides failed to reach an agreement on a new employment contract.
Tyler Brown is with the Brotherhood of Boilermakers. He says the sticking points are proposed changes to employee’s pension and health benefits. “We don’t think that Westinghouse has bargained in good faith so we’re exploring all of our available recourses against the company, including filing unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board,” Brown said.
In a written statement, Westinghouse says it has already made its quote “last, best, and final offer.”
The company’s Newington plant manufactures components for nuclear power plants.
Employees affected by the lockout may be eligible for unemployment benefits under state law.
