USW ratifies new contract with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories in Chalk River, Ont.

$1,000 bonus, wage and shift premiums hikes included in agreement

USW ratifies new contract with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories in Chalk River, Ont.
Members of USW, Local 1568 approved the settlement, reached with the involvement of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, says the union. Shutterstock

Technicians and technologists at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories in Chalk River, Ont. ratified a new collective agreement on Sept. 18 that includes wage increases, a new salary grid allowing for more progressive career development and several improvements in working conditions.

“This is an agreement that recognizes the unique skills of these 530 workers,” says Marty Warren, Ontario/Atlantic Director of the United Steelworkers union (USW). “Not only will it mean better retention of existing employees, but the value of a good union contract also means attracting new talent in the future.”

The Chalk River facility, about 150 kilometres northwest of Ottawa, was owned and operated by the crown corporation Atomic Energy of Canada Limited. It is still government-owned but since 2014, it has been operated by a consortium of private companies under the banner Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, says USW.

Members of USW, Local 1568 approved the settlement, reached with the involvement of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, says the union.

Details of the new contract include salary increases of 7.52 per cent over 39 months, a $1,000 signing bonus, increases in shift premiums and other improvements, says the union.

The United Steelworkers union represents more than 225,000 men and women working in every sector of Canada’s economy.

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