The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC) has filed an unfair labour practice complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Board against Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), alleging the employer violated the Canada Labour Code by cancelling all scheduled and pre-approved vacation leave for striking Chalk River Professional Employee Group (CRPEG) members.
The complaint, filed June 23, 2025, alleges CNL contravened sections 94(1)(a) and 94(3)(a) of the Canada Labour Code by taking retaliatory action against employees for exercising their legal right to strike. CNL issued a blanket cancellation of all vacation leave for CRPEG members effective June 23, forcing employees to cancel imminent travel plans or return from vacations already in progress.
“This is a clear case of employer retaliation designed to punish our members for voting to reject an inadequate contract offer,” said PIPSC President Sean O’Reilly. “CNL’s actions are not about operational needs—they’re about intimidation and undermining workers’ fundamental right to strike.”
The complaint details how CNL’s vacation cancellation order was issued immediately after CRPEG members rejected the employer’s final settlement offer on June 19 and served strike notice. Many employees had already made significant personal and financial commitments based on their approved vacation time, with some already traveling or out of the country.
Notably, CNL did not take similar action during CRPEG’s initial strike activities in late May, nor has it implemented the measure against other bargaining units or management at the facility.
“The timing and scope of this action exposes its true purpose,” said CRPEG President Jonathan Fitzpatrick. “CNL is trying to make an example of our members to intimidate other workers who might consider standing up for fair treatment.”
CNL justified the vacation cancellations by citing operational needs and new federal replacement worker legislation. However, PIPSC argues this rationale is undermined by the existence of a Maintenance of Services Agreement signed by both parties that specifically outlines staffing requirements during a work stoppage.
The agreement already ensures essential operations continue during strike action through designated essential workers and established protocols. CNL has refused to provide specific justification for why additional workers beyond those identified in the agreement are suddenly required.
The complaint alleges CNL violated the Canada Labour Code by:
Interfering with union representation of employees
Discriminating against workers with respect to terms and conditions of employment because they participated in an authorized strike
Taking retaliatory action intended to intimidate employees from exercising their legal rights
PIPSC is seeking several remedies from the Canada Industrial Relations Board, including orders requiring CNL to immediately cease the unlawful practice, rescind the vacation cancellation directive, provide damages to affected employees, and post a public acknowledgment of its Code violations.
CRPEG’s 800+ nuclear scientists and engineers resumed strike action on June 23 after rejecting CNL’s settlement offer. The workers, who ensure safe operation of nuclear reactors and support critical radioactive waste management across Canada, have been without a contract since December 31, 2023, following 17 months of negotiations.
“Our members deserve fair compensation for the vital work they do protecting Canadians,” O’Reilly said. “They shouldn’t be punished by their employer for standing up for that principle.”
The unfair labour practice complaint adds another dimension to the ongoing labour dispute at Canada’s premier nuclear research facility, highlighting the lengths to which CNL will go to pressure workers into accepting inadequate terms.
Take two minutes to send an email to key decision-makers in support of a fair and just deal for CRPEG.
Critics are sounding the alarm on U.S. management of Canada’s nuclear labs.
National post covers the issue of US Contractors Managing Canadian Nuclear laboratories. Please see the link below:
“Even though AECL’s bidding process began in 2023 — long before U.S. President Donald Trump was elected to a second term and started threatening Canada’s sovereignty — sources familiar with the matter are questioning why AECL chose to work with firms mainly based in the U.S. to manage Canada’s sensitive technologies in the nuclear sector.
“Given the current circumstances in Canada-U.S. relations, I think it’s troubling that a contract of this magnitude would be awarded to a U.S.-based consortium,” said one of the sources who spoke to the National Post on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
“Now, Chalk River labs are going to be managed by American firms that are deeply involved in the American military and defence industrial complex on the nuclear side,” they added.
Margaret McCuaig-Johnston, who served as assistant deputy minister for Energy Technology and Programs at Natural Resources Canada, was just as surprised to hear about the contract: “Why on Earth do we not have the skill set to do this in Canada?”
“If this government is really serious about protecting our vulnerabilities and building capacity in Canada and strengthening Canadian companies… why would they farm out the management of our precious technology, especially something as unique as nuclear?” added McCuaig-Johnston, now a senior fellow at the University of Ottawa.
Despite its name, Nuclear Laboratory Partners of Canada Inc. is composed mostly of U.S.-based partners. It will be spearheaded by Virginia-based BWXT — an important supplier to the U.S. Defence Department. The other partners are Amentum — also based in Virginia — and Kinectrics Inc. — a company based in Toronto but bought by BWXT earlier this year .”
Show your support for striking CRPEG members

PIPSC is organizing rally in Ottawa ( June 26 from 12 PM to 1 PM) to show support for CRPEG. The Rally will be at NRcan Headquarters. We need to let the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources that CRPEG members deserve a fair deal.
Sign Up using the link below.
If you are interested in joining Picket lines as a volunteer or if you have questions please email us at crpeg_negotiations@pipsc.ca.
Thank you,
CRPEG Executives
CRPEG members reject CNL settlement offer, strike action to continue
CRPEG members reject CNL settlement offer, strike action to continue
Members of the Chalk River Professional Employee Group (CRPEG)—represented by the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC)—have voted to reject Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ (CNL) latest settlement offer following a three-day ratification vote that concluded Thursday at noon.
Following the vote results, PIPSC will serve notice to CNL that strike action will continue, with activities resuming Monday morning. The union will implement targeted strike action designed to maximize impact while working toward a fair agreement.
“Our members have spoken clearly through this democratic process,” said CRPEG Group President Jonathan Fitzpatrick. “We respect their decision and will continue working toward an agreement that properly recognizes the professional value of our nuclear scientists and engineers.”
CNL’s rejected proposal included limited changes from previous offers that members found inadequate. While the offer featured a small increase in benefits coverage and removed problematic language regarding direct negotiations with individual members, it did not provide the meaningful economic increases sought by members or substantial improvements to health and dental benefits that have remained unchanged for 25 years.
CRPEG members ensure the safe operation of nuclear reactors and support critical radioactive waste management and environmental remediation projects across Canada. Their expertise in nuclear medicine research impacts the health of countless Canadians.
Negotiations had been ongoing since the collective agreement expired on December 31, 2023. The parties engaged in extensive negotiations over 17 months, including 27 days of bargaining sessions throughout 2024, additional negotiations in February 2025, and multiple conciliation sessions in April and May with the assistance of federal mediators.
PIPSC acknowledges the continued support of the United Steelworkers (USW), whose solidarity has strengthened CRPEG’s position throughout this historic labour dispute.
CRPEG may be contacted via email at crpeg@crpeg.ca.
CRPEG negotiation team can be contacted via email at crpeg_negotiations@pipsc.ca.



CRPEG Negotiations and Strike Update : June 01, 2025
Hello CRPEG Members,
Please check your personal emails for an important bargaining update. As always if you have any questions about the bargaining please email us at crpeg_negotiations@pipsc.ca. You can also join CRPEG Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AbXgsKhQD/.
Thank you for your support. We will continue to need your support as we move forward.













Have a wonderful weekend,
CRPEG Bargaining and Engagement Teams
CRPEG Negotiations and Strike Update : Tuesday 27, 2025
Hello CRPEG Members,
On May 26, the CRPEG bargaining team and the engagement (strike) team, 18 CRPEG members were on strike and did not report to work as normal. Thank you to all of the members who participated in work-to-rule. We have sent out FAQ for your reference to your private email. We have also provided you document with more information on offers exchanged.
If you would like to volunteer to participate in striking by picketing, please e-mail crpeg_negotiations@pipsc.ca with the subject line ‘PICKETING – PREFERRED DATE’ and we will provide you with more information.
We are looking for the following supplies to borrow from the membership: collapsible wagons/carts, extension cords, plastic bins, portable battery charges, coolers, folding tables, garbage bins, pop-up canopy, tarps (10×10), water cooler, and coffee maker. If you have any items to lend, please e-mail crpeg_negotiations@pipsc.ca with the subject line ‘SUPPLIES’ and we will reach out to you.
There is more ways then one to strike. Please check your email for further information. Please use the following survey to update your personal contact information: https://crpeg.ca/lime/index.php/784493 if you are not receiving emails.
CRPEG
CRPEG Negotiations and Strike Update : Monday 26, 2025
Hello CRPEG Members,
Please report to work as normal on Monday, May 26 and follow the directions for work-to-rule job action. If you are selected to participate in a rotating strike you will be contacted separately and with 48 hr notice. Please continue to monitor your personal and work emails for further updates, as we will be providing daily updates.
Thank you for your cooperation,
CRPEG
CRPEG Negotiations and Strike Update : Friday May 23rd
The union and company met over the course of the last three days (May 20-22) with the assistance of a mediator appointed by the Minister of Labour. We thank Mr. Lalonde for his services. He will remain available if the company and the union need his services in the future.
We have maintained our position on economic (scale) adjustment, benefits, office space, 4×10 working arrangements, and sick leave. While both parties moved closer, we were unable to reach a tentative agreement by the end of day on May 22.
CRPEG has served notice of strike to CNL, in accordance with the Canadian Labour Code.
CRPEG strike activities will commence on Monday, May 26th. Further details of the strike activities, as well as the FAQ, will be sent to your personal email address you have provided to CRPEG.
In solidarity,
CRPEG Bargaining Team
CRPEG Negotiations and Strike Update Meeting: May 22
CRPEG members,
As you are aware, your bargaining team is currently in negotiations which will conclude May 22. This meeting will provide an overview of the results of this final round of negotiations and what to expect moving forward.
There will be one session starting at 6:00 pm on Thursday May 22, 2025. The update, including next steps is expected to take around half an hour, with plenty of time (1 hr) for questions and answers.
For those wishing to join us in person, please join us at the Chalk River Lions Hall. Doors will be open starting at 5:30 pm. We will provide pizza and refreshments.
For those wishing to join us online, please register as soon as possible using the following link: https://pipsc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_F1cw6rYSSMm1BzyMdKFdWw
We’re looking forward to seeing you at the meeting.
Curtis Russell
Communications Officer, CRPEG