Assemblymen Will Barclay (R,C,I,-Pulaski), Ken Blankenbush (R,C,-Black River), Bob Oaks (R,C,-Macedon) and State Senator Patty Ritchie (R,C, - Heuvelton) urged Constellation and its Union leadership to return to the negotiating table.

“I think we all would like to see resolution to the situation so that people get back to work. The only way this can happen is by bringing the parties back to the bargaining table and working on a compromise,” said Assemblyman Barclay. “I have expressed this both to Constellation and to Union Leadership during talks this week. It is my hope that this meeting will take place soon.”

“Oswego’s nuclear plants and Unions have a long history of cooperation,” Senator Ritchie said. “That’s why I think it’s vital that the company and union’s leadership resume talks to bring a speedy resolution to this contract dispute. With almost 600 Oswego area families directly affected by this strike, I think it’s time both sides look at ways they can reach an agreement.”

“It is imperative that union leaders and Constellation management both come to the table to solve their labor disagreement,” said Assemblyman Blankenbush. “This is a lose-lose situation for both workers and Constellation. The plant is a critical component to Oswego County's economy, and a loss in productivity could be devastating to the area, in addition to the state's energy supply.”

It has been nearly a week since the IBEW 97 labor agreement expired with Constellation, and its 580 workers have been on strike.

“Both Assemblyman Barclay and I have been working closely together to monitor the events occurring at the Nine Mile nuclear plants,” said Senator Ritchie. “Even before the strike began last week, we have been in contact with the leadership and company officials, urging both sides to reach a fair contract that protects the rights of the dedicated workforce at the plants.”

“As a member of the Senate Energy Committee, I also have been working with Chairman George Maziarz, and both local and state representatives who all share my concerns about safety at the plant,” Senator Ritchie said. “Our Assembly delegation and I have received assurances from both sides, as well as state and federal regulators, that safety remains a paramount concern.”