The Canadian Alliance of Nuclear Workers (CANW), of which PIPSC is a member, issued this press release earlier today:

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Nuclear workers urge government to solve pension crisis and protect a vital industry

CHALK RIVER, ON – September 21, 2018 - The Canadian Alliance of Nuclear Workers (CANW) is calling on the Government of Canada to end uncertainty for nuclear workers by reinstating their right to contribute to public service pension plans.

In September 2015, employees of Canada’s nuclear facilities were given notice that following a transitional period of three years, they would no longer be able to contribute to their public service pension plans.

The transition period has now elapsed without any action from the federal government. Nuclear workers are vital to Canada’s energy sector, and as such, they should be granted the same benefits as their industry peers.

The federal government is ignoring hard working Canadians. Failing to return these workers to their public service pension plans will make it difficult to attract new talent to maintain existing nuclear facilities. Cutting edge research will move abroad, and CNL won’t be able to meet its commitments to the federal government.

CANW says the government must sit down with workers and their representatives to find a solution.

Contact:

Steven Schumann
Co-Chair, CANW
(613) 325-6433

Matt Wayland
Co-Chair, CANW
(647) 465-6167

PIPSC and the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) celebrated the renewal of their collective agreement on July 23^rd, 2018. The renegotiation of this agreement took place entirely on First Nations land and included Elders supporting the work with prayer, wisdom and input. The negotiations fostered a meaningful relationship between both parties. Additionally, the renewed collective agreement includes traditional First Nations approaches to conflict management and resolution.

"We are proud to be a part of the renewal of this historic agreement between our members and the First Nations Health Authority because of the incredible work that both parties did in incorporating First Nations-based principles and practices to negotiations," said PIPSC President Debi Daviau. "We felt there was a genuine effort to work together and both sides were guided by the objectives they serve: good jobs in healthy communities. We look forward to continuing this approach through the life of this agreement and beyond."

This important approach is in keeping with the PIPSC commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in Canada. The initial agreement in 2015 set precedent for labour relations that incorporate First Nations perspectives, values and sensibilities. It was the first agreement of its kind in Canada.

"We want to thank our partner the Professional Institute for their collaboration and being open again to including First Nations Elders in this work and incorporating First Nations perspectives into the agreement,” said Joe Gallagher, CEO of the FNHA. "I want to raise my hands to team members on both sides for the commitment to working together in a good way for the interest of First Nations peoples and our organizations. We are always better together."

The terms of the Collective Agreement are from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2020.