Port Gibson, Miss. -- United Government Security Officers of America Local 36 members voted today to ratify a new three-year bargaining union contract at Grand Gulf Nuclear Station.

“The new contract is a result of hard work on both sides,” said Mike Balduzzi, Entergy’s senior vice president of nuclear technical services. “It reflects Entergy’s commitment to our employees and to our business, and it is acceptable to our union members as well. We look forward to seeing these employees return to work.”

While specific details of the agreement are not being disclosed, the new contract represents a substantial commitment to employees in the form of guaranteed wage increases, a comprehensive benefits package including premium health care plan options, a company-matching 401(k) savings program, a defined benefits pension plan and a union incentive plan.

With a new contract in place, the plant will initiate a reintegration plan designed to ensure qualifications, training and other site requirements of returning employees are current and meet all regulatory or procedural requirements. Contingency staff will remain on duty until the reintegration is complete, a process expected to take several weeks.