As of 12:01 AM this morning, the Chalk River Professional Employees Group (CRPEG) has officially commenced strike action against Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL).
Today, 20 CRPEG members from the bargaining and engagement teams have been pulled from work, while the remaining membership is conducting work-to-rule action. Tomorrow, we will begin picket lines at CNL facilities and targeted strike actions.
This strike action comes after more than a year without a collective agreement and follows the strongest strike mandate in CRPEG's history. More than 800 nuclear scientists and engineers at Chalk River have made it clear they will no longer accept inadequate compensation and healthcare 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 and environmental remediation projects across Canada, and contribute to nuclear medicine research that impacts the health of countless Canadians. Their expertise and dedication deserve fair recognition.
The issues at stake—fair wages, better healthcare benefits, improved working conditions, and protection against excessive reliance on contractors—are challenges that resonate across our entire membership. This is why the full weight of PIPSC and our over 85,000 members across Canada stand firmly behind our CRPEG colleagues.
As we support our fellow members through this action, I want to remind you that solidarity is one of our union's core strengths. The success of this strike action will send a message to employers about the value and determination of professional workers.
I will keep you informed of developments as our CRPEG bargaining team continues working toward a negotiated agreement that properly recognizes the professional contributions of our nuclear scientists and engineers.
Thank you for your continued solidarity and support.
Sean O'Reilly
President, PIPSC