SEIU Local 1 Security Officers at Dresden Nuclear Power Plant Station Demand Constellation to Negotiate in Good Faith
Constellation received $694 million from the State of Illinois – yet refuses to use that money to prioritize the safety of the power plant and our community
Morris, ILLINOIS — After weeks of negotiations, Constellation – who manages Dresden Nuclear Station – has failed to reach a contractual agreement with employed Service Employment International Union (SEIU) Local 1 security officers. The three-year contract expired on January 28th and covered 113 SEIU Local 1 security officers. Constellation has both denied proposals that are critical to the safety and livelihood of security workers and has failed to put forth proposals that respect, protect and pay workers what they deserve.
Local 1 security officers have kept the Dresden Nuclear Station – one of our state’s most critical infrastructures – secure for over 20 years. Security officers demonstrate a vigilant and effective response in case of emergencies and are responsible for ensuring our communities' safety. In 2021, Constellation received $694 million from the State of Illinois yet is still failing to make security a top priority at the plant. Without union security officers who are trained for high-pressure worksites, this plant and our community's safety are at risk.
Security officers are demanding fair raises and sick time to care for their families so workers don’t have to choose between a paycheck and caring for their loved ones.
“I have worked at this plant since 2007. I was here back in 2021 when the State was set to shut Dresden Nuclear Station down,” said SEIU Local 1 Chief Steward and Security Officer Bob Madia. “We fought for this plant, and now we have to fight for us. This plant wouldn’t operate without us – and if we weren’t here, this plant couldn’t operate. Dresden has made it crystal clear that they’re willing to risk the safety of this plant and the people who operate it to make a buck and that shouldn’t sit well with anyone. We won’t accept a contract that doesn’t value us and I am asking our community to stand behind us in this fight!”
“Us security officers have a high-pressure job manning the Dresden Station. We are the first line of defense from external threats – we are here to protect and serve,” said SEIU Local 1 Security Officer Marco Leal. “Yet, Constellation is failing to protect us. I am a single dad trying to provide for my family – working long hours in a dangerous job and living paycheck to paycheck. The cost of living has taken its toll on all of us. We are among the lowest-paid workers at this site and work 12-hour shifts often with mandatory overtime. We deserve to be respected and valued and the offers being put forward by Constellation are shameful. ”
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Service Employees International Union Local 1 unites 50,000 workers throughout the Midwest, including janitors, security officers, airport workers, higher education faculty, food service workers, and others. Local 1 is committed to improving the lives of its members and all working people by winning real economic justice and standing at the forefront of the fight for immigrant, racial and environmental justice.