The Chalk River Professional Employees Group (CRPEG), represented by the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC), has reached a tentative agreement with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), potentially ending a historic labour dispute.
“This tentative agreement demonstrates what workers can achieve when they unite for fair treatment and recognition of their professional value,” said CRPEG President Jonathan Fitzpatrick. “Our members stood together and showed the power of organized labour.”
The proposed deal includes a number of key improvements:
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A one-time $2 million increase to the company-wide benefits program (up from $1.75 million), applying to all CNL employees.
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A $1,700 lump-sum payment for all CRPEG members.
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Salary increases totaling 10.5% over three years: 4.0% in 2024, 4.0% in 2025, and 2.5% in 2026.
The agreement comes after a five-day selective strike—the first PIPSC-led job action in more than 30 years—caused operational disruptions at CNL, including impacts on reactor surveillance, tritium facility operations, commercial projects, and regulatory compliance.
The strike highlighted the essential role CRPEG members play in nuclear safety, radioactive waste management, and nuclear medicine research.
Vacation leave has now been reinstated for members; however, PIPSC’s unfair labour practice complaint over CNL’s retaliatory cancellation of pre-approved vacation remains active before the Canada Industrial Relations Board.
“Despite surveillance and intimidation, our members stayed strong and professional,” said PIPSC President Sean O’Reilly.
The tentative agreement follows 17 months of negotiations. The previous collective agreement expired on December 31, 2023. CRPEG members began strike action on May 26, 2025, and resumed it on June 23 after rejecting a previous offer from CNL