The security contractor at Xcel Energy's Monticello nuclear power plant appears set to lock out some guards after a breakdown in contract negotiations.
The lockout would affect "lieutenants" or "shift leaders," whose contract expires at midnight Saturday, said Josh Haider, head of United Security Professionals Local 2. There are about 25 unionized lieutenants at the Monticello plant employed by G4S, a large global-security firm.
G4S and Xcel have been training replacements for union guards over the past month, Haider said.
Local 2's primary concern is a G4S plan to move to a new health plan and cut its contributions to guards' health care premiums by nearly 50% or $10,000 per worker annually, Haider said. "We would get a significantly worse health plan."
G4S, which is based in London, did not respond when asked for comments.
Minneapolis-based Xcel said in a statement it provides training for all security contractors at its properties, a common power-industry practice. "Because we are responsible for ensuring security staff are fully trained and prepared, we chose to provide the training directly."
Xcel, Minnesota's largest electricity provider, said it has "taken steps to ensure" that negotiations between G4S and Monticello guards don't affect the plant's security, safety and operation.
That includes building a separate entrance gate for G4S workers, apart from an entry for Xcel's employees and guests.
