Still no agreement has been reached in the lockout situation between Hanford Guard Union (HGU) members and Hanford Mission Integration Solution (HMIS). According to a statement by HMIS, the latest HGU vote failed to pass.
HMIS said Hanford’s security officers were offered a responsible and competitive offer where they would remain the highest paid federal protective force in the Department of Energy complex and become the highest paid security force in the region. Collective bargaining negotiations have reached an impasse, and HMIS will implement the best and final offer presented to the union on Dec. 5, 2024, according to HMIS’ statement. A federal mediator met with HMIS and HGU early this week. Both sides agreed to one adjustment to HMIS’ proposal, but a vote Friday night failed to pass.
Following the vote, HGU Local 21 President Chris Hall issued a statement: “HGU intends to continue meeting with HMIS to negotiate all the way until we have an agreement. It is not an ethical or lawful practice to force an impasse or impose unilateral decisions that affect the body for the duration of this contract and possibly their careers. We hope that HMIS sees this as an opportunity to move forward and not create such an abrasive relationship for our daily work as well as our future negotiations,” Hall said. Hall also alluded to a pair alleged terrorist attacks on American soil in the last few days and that site security should be at 100%. The lockout began on Nov. 27, forcing Hanford security workers off-site and away from their jobs. Since then, union members have been picketing in various locations across town.
