BWXT’s continuous attack on the PGU negotiating team for its clear and thorough presentation of the proposed contract to its members and their families has complicated and escalated the labor dispute currently taking place at the Pantex site. Mr. Swaim, the Pantex Plant manager, has failed on multiple occasions to address labor issues. If more time was focused on preventing labor disputes instead of fostering them, a strike at Pantex would have never occurred.

It is unfortunate that the following items are a negative reflection of BWXT managing philosophy.

• The anonymous letter over serious safety violations sent to congress earlier this year.
• A federal lawsuit pending by security supervisors on violations of overtime pay.
• Pending EEO charges against security supervisors discriminations against female SPOs.
• Pending unfair labor charges for side bargaining with PGU members. A new letter sent out 4-27 on the BWXT internet continuing to attack the PGU negotiating team will add to the charges.
• New work groups petitioning to organize new unions at the Pantex site.
• Current DOE Inspector General investigation on security degradations.
• A strike at DOE’s most sensitive weapons site.

Clearly BWXT has many deficiencies in its current managing practices. If BWXT would spend more time preventing labor conflict and less on achieving award fees perhaps its security force turnover and work structure would stabilize. BWXT did not even attempt to address career progression. Only 9 SPOs to include one female have made it to retirement age at Pantex in the last 20 years. The current contractor structure, one based upon the protection of nuclear weapons for profit works very well, at least for reducing long term liabilities and preventing SPOs from retiring.

Sincerely,

Pantex Guards Union Negotiating Team

Danny Creeden

Leo T. Salazar

Randy W. Schlegel

Mike E. Stumbo

J. Frank White