Utility, security guards hammer out deal ending lockout

PORT GIBSON — Union security guards have voted to ratify a three-year contract with Entergy Corp., ending a nearly seven-week lockout.

Entergy locked the guards out from its Grand Gulf nuclear plant on Sept. 30 after the previous contract expired. The guards are represented by the United Government Security Officers of America Local 36.

The union had said that the main issue in the dispute was forced overtime. The workers wanted Entergy to cut back their hours and hire more guards. The company didn’t say in a statement if that dispute was resolved in the new contract. Entergy says the new pact is “a substantial commitment” to workers, including wage increases.

Entergy said replacement guards would remain on duty for several weeks as incumbent guards are brought back and qualifications are checked.