WORKER SPOTLIGHT

WORK SITE SPOTLIGHT: PUTTING WORKERS FIRST

At Local 369, we work hard to ensure that our workers throughout the region have the best jobs and working conditions possible. When our members face closures and unsafe conditions at worksites and at power generation facilities, our Union is there to advocate for safety improvements, secure severance deals, and find employment alternatives for those displaced.

In his message announcing the closure, Exelon President John Barnes wrote, “I commend the men and women who have operated and maintained the units safely and to the highest standards.” Mystic 7 provided reliable electricity to the Greater Boston Area for nearly 40 years, and employed thousands of talented workers from our Union.

And when the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth closed two years ago, we worked tirelessly to minimize the impact on our members employed there. We were able to successfully negotiate lucrative retention and decommission agreements, as well as excellent severance packages for hundreds of our members. Additionally, we watched closely to make sure that our highly skilled and trained Local 369 members were able to expertly lead a safe decommissioning effort.

It’s also been nearly a year and a half since our big win at the Exelon Mystic Generating Station in Charlestown. When Exelon cut corners at the plant and delayed maintenance updates, our Union went on strike to demand that these concerns were addressed. After just three days of striking, we were able to reach an agreement that guaranteed our benefits and much-needed improvements to safety measures and working conditions.

By protecting the rights of our workers, we also ensure highquality, reliable utility service for homes throughout Eastern Massachusetts. The collective strength of our Union allows us to continue to defend the health, safety, and security of our members, and our communities at large. And we’ll keep striving to make sure that people, homes, and businesses throughout the area receive safe, reliable power for years to come.

Decommissioning Exelon Mystic 7

In May, the Mystic 7 power plant was decommissioned after more than 45 years in service. When the plant went operational in 1974, it used crude oil to power Everett and the surrounding areas. In the 1980s, it switched to a mix of oil and natural gas. At the height of its operation in the 1980s, Mystic 7 generated 560 megawatts of electricity.

UWUA Local 369 members Rick Cross, Bob Kiklis, Mike Quinn and Charles Oliver are working on finalizing the decommissioning project, which will be completed in late August.

“Some people think you just come in, turn a key, press a button and shut the lights off,” said Bob, a wastewater treatment operator and 23-year member. “But the reality is that there are significant safety and environmental factors to be considered, so we are really focused on ensuring this plant is decommissioned safely and responsibly.”

To avoid any environmental impacts after draining the plant’s waste tanks, Bob separates out the oil and treats the wastewater with chemicals that make it safe to flow into the Mystic River.

Rick, an instruments and control technician with more than 43 years of experience as a member of Local 369, is working on everything from the turbine control to removing hazardous waste, such as mercury, still present at the plant site.

“This work is pretty specialized,” Rick explained. “There are very few people in this field who know their way around the systems at power plants like Mystic 7.”

As the project progresses, the team regroups daily to evaluate the evolving challenges and determine what’s needed to make the decommissioning a success.

“My job changes every day,” Rick said.

Because of the work that Rick, Bob, Mike and Charles are doing, the Mystic 7 power plant’s decommissioning will be completed safely and efficiently. We applaud their efforts and thank them for all their hard work!

TOP LEFT: At the height of its operation in the 1980s, Mystic 7 generated 560 megawatts of electricity to the Greater Boston area. CENTER LEFT: The Mystic 7 Power Plant is located along the Mystic River in Everett, Massachusetts.

BOTTOM LEFT: In order to safely decommission the plant, the team evaluates evolving challenges each day. TOP RIGHT: Members Mike Quinn (left) and Rick Cross (right) work on everything from turbine control to removing hazardous waste. BOTTOM RIGHT: After 45 years in service, the Mystic 7 Power Plant will be fully decommissioned in August.