Notes from the picket line
From June 23–27, 2025, CRPEG members showed remarkable strength and solidarity on the picket line, with rising turnout and an upbeat yet determined atmosphere. There was support from special guests—Matt Vaner, NRC Director, Dave Sutherland and Katie Francis, both PIPSC National VPs, and Devaloise Hatchou and Tanya Hayward from the SH subgroup at DND Petawawa—who brought coffee and donuts. On Friday, all of the NRC Regional Directors participated in the picket.
Despite safety concerns and a few tense encounters with drivers, spirits remained high—boosted by camaraderie, visits from allies, and moments of levity, including a T-Rex costume sighting. Strategic adjustments helped manage traffic while maintaining pressure. The strike’s impact was tangible, halting fuel lab work and signaling the members’ firm resolve for a fair deal.
A rally in Ottawa, in front of the Natural Resources Minister’s office, brought broader union solidarity: support from CAPE, PSAC, IAM, the SP, CP, and RE Groups. At the rally, Sean O’Reilly, PIPSC President, and Jonathan Fitzpatrick, CRPEG President, both spoke of the importance of the CRPEG members’ actions.
Company offer
On Friday June 27, the Company provided an offer that included an increase to the extended health benefits and a signing bonus to the members on strength at ratification. The Bargaining Team decided to recommend the offer and accepted it as a tentative agreement; putting the strike action into abeyance.
The ratification information session will be held on July 9th at the Chalk River Lions Hall and available by Zoom. The ratification vote will take place from July 9th to July 11, 2025. The results will be shared with members later Friday afternoon.