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.