Hello WPEG Members,
Your WPEG Bargaining Team is pleased to announce that we have reached a tentative collective agreement with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) as of May 15, 2025.
The following is a summary of the major gains:
1. Salary Increases + Retroactive Pay
- General wage increases of:
- 4.0% on July 1, 2024
- 3.5% on July 1, 2025
- 3.0% on July 1, 2026
- Retroactive pay to July 1, 2024, for all employees on strength; who transferred out of PIPSC within CNL; and employees who have retired.
- A wage reopener clause is included: If CRPEG negotiates a better economic settlement, WPEG can reopen wage discussions.
2. Two Paid Breaks in 10-Hour Shifts
- Clear language ensuring two 30-minute breaks on 10-hour shifts:
- One 30-min unpaid lunch, and
- One 30-min paid break in the second half of the workday.
- No increase to total hours onsite.
- Maintained break flexibility
3. Canada Labour Code Compliance + Benefits Improvements
- A formal Letter of Understanding on CLC compliance was signed. WPEG, CRPEG, WTEG, and PIPSC staff will meet with a federal mediator to address ongoing concerns with CNL’s adherence to the Canada Labour Code.
- WPEG will have the option to adopt any improvements to the myBenefits plan negotiated by CRPEG or other unions.
4. Vacation Management and Carry-Over Rules
- Enhanced credited service toward vacation accrual.
- The cap on vacation credit accrual has increased from 14 years to 16 years, allowing earlier access to higher vacation entitlements.
What Happens Next?
Membership Meeting
An information session will be scheduled shortly. Members will have the opportunity to review the proposed changes in detail and ask questions.
Ratification Vote
The vote will take place online, similar to the previous round. Further details will be provided after the meeting.
You Must Be a Registered PIPSC Member to Vote
If we do the online voting, to participate in the ratification vote, you must be a registered PIPSC member—being a bargaining unit employee is not sufficient.
If you haven’t registered yet, please do so here:
https://pipsc.ca/member-tools/application
Update on CRPEG Mediation and Potential Job Action
Our colleagues in the Chalk River Professional Employees Group (CRPEG) will be entering mediation next week. We expect to have a clearer picture of their progress by the end of the week. Their outcome may also influence WPEG’s ability to trigger the wage reopener clause.
Thank You
This tentative agreement reflects months of preparation, persistence, and the collective strength of our membership. Thank you for your engagement, solidarity, and trust in the process.
More information, including meeting and voting details, will follow shortly.
In solidarity,
Your WPEG Bargaining Team
Curtis Faucher
Jason Martino
Michael Belli
Caitlin Pelletier
Denise Doherty-Delorme, PIPSC
Payton Tenebaum, PIPSC