WASHINGTON, DC (April 30, 2014) – The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Tuesday charged Akron-based FirstEnergy with unfair labor practices related to the closing of two power plants in Pennsylvania. BlueGreen Alliance Executive Director David Foster released the following statement:

“FirstEnergy’s decision to hastily close the Mitchell and Hatfield’s Ferry power plants, and failure to bargain in good faith over job placement, severance and other benefits, hurts not just the hundreds of people who lost their jobs, but also the economy of the surrounding communities.

“Making matters worse, while workers have lost their jobs and retirement security, FirstEnergy’s CEO has been paid millions of dollars. At a time when we should be looking for all the ways to open doors of economic opportunity, we hope the NLRB’s process brings some justice to affected workers and their families.”

“At the same time, the company has championed efforts to undermine and out-right repeal Ohio’s energy efficiency mandates designed to reduce energy usage, lower energy costs, and save consumers money.

“The bottom line is that FirstEnergy is a company that doesn’t look out for its workers and consistently attacks efforts to move to become more energy efficient and move to cleaner energy. The people of Ohio and Pennsylvania deserve better.”