PLYMOUTH, Mass. (AP) -- Union workers have rejected a tentative contract with the owners of the Pilgrim nuclear plant in Plymouth.
The Utility Workers Union of America Local 369 announced the 137-to-89 vote Wednesday. Union leaders had recommended the deal reached early Tuesday with Entergy Corp.
Union president Dan Hurley said workers "have spoken loud and clear" that they won't accept cuts to pay or healthcare benefits, and urged Entergy to return to bargaining.
Entergy called the deal "an exceptional wage and benefits package" and said it the next steps are unclear but it favors federal mediation.
The dispute has become contentious with Entergy locking out union workers and the union filing complaints with the National Labor Relations Board.
Entergy said about two-thirds of its regular workforce at Pilgrim is on the job and an alternate staffing plan remains in effect.
