Scientists and engineers at the Chalk River Laboratories began rotating strike action Monday.
It’s the first strike in the 30-year history of their bargaining unit.
The Chalk River Professional Employees Group (CRPEG) began negotiations with CNL in late 2023 but reached an “impasse” in talks earlier this year.
This week’s strike action comes after a final three days of negotiations last week with the help of a mediator appointed by the Minister of Labour.
Eighteen of the bargaining unit’s 800 members did not report to work Monday, while the remaining members were under work-to-rule guidelines.
Picket lines were set up Tuesday morning, slowing traffic to the CNL plant site.
In a message Monday, CRPEG said this week’s strike action “comes after more than a year without a collective agreement and follows the strongest strike mandate in CRPEG’s history.”
“Our more than 800 nuclear scientists and engineers at Chalk River have made it clear they will no longer accept inadequate compensation and benefits while continuing to perform vital work that serves all Canadians.
“CRPEG members ensure the safe operation of nuclear reactors, support critical radioactive waste management across Canada, and perform nuclear research that impacts the health of countless Canadians.
“Their expertise and dedication deserve fair recognition”…
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