Scientists and engineers at the Chalk River Laboratories have ratified a new contract with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories.
In a statement posted Thursday afternoon, the Chalk River Professional Employees Group (CRPEG) said the three-year collective agreement “resolves a year-long impasse over fair pay, job outsourcing, and working conditions, with a wage increase of 3.5% in each year.”
CRPEG president Jonathan Fitzpatrick said the agreement “would not have been possible with the strong support of our members.”
“We have been without a collective agreement since January 2021 and last month, members had given us the strongest mandate for job action – including a strike – in the history of the Chalk River Professional Employees Group.”
“After many months of intense negotiations, we are pleased to acknowledge that Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) finally supported its strong dedicated workforce by providing a fair deal, recognition and respect,” Fitzpatrick added.
CRPEG represents more than 700 engineers and scientists at CNL’s Chalk River campus, “ensuring the safe operation of nuclear reactors, and supporting safe radioactive waste management and environmental remediation projects across Canada.”
The two sides reached a tentative agreement earlier this month after working on a new contract for more than a year.
Details of the agreement were presented to CRPEG members at a meeting at the Chalk River Lions Hall Monday.
An electronic ratification vote was held beginning Tuesday morning and ending at noon today.
Jennifer Carr, the president of the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) congratulated both parties and extended her thanks to each and every member of the CRPEG group on this new agreement.
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