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Part I: Preamble

1 SOCIETY AND CORPORATE INTERESTS
The object of this Agreement is to promote harmonious relations Nuclear Safety Solutions Ltd. (NSS) and employees consistent with the preamble of the Ontario Labour Relations Act and the Canada Labour Code and in recognition of the need for the successful accomplishment of the public purposes for which NSS has been established.
The objective of the parties is to facilitate the peaceful adjustment of salaries and benefits, working conditions, issues of fair treatment, all disputes and grievances, and to prevent inefficiencies and avoidable expenses and to reduce unnecessary delays.
NSS's mission is to contribute to the enhancement of the quality of life of the people of Ontario by serving their energy needs. The Society's mission is to strive to ensure the best rewards, career opportunities and working conditions for its members. The Society recognizes a responsibility for providing an essential service to the people of Ontario and in working towards the continued viability and continuity of NSS. Both parties recognize the fundamental importance of service to NSS customers.
The parties recognize that situations may arise where their missions, objectives, or actions come into conflict. These conflicts may impact on the bargaining unit and particularly on supervisory employees represented by The Society. The parties agree that supervisors will be able to participate fully as members and perform supervisory responsibilities without fear of reprisal or recrimination by either party.
1.1 Principles
NSS and The Society agree to make their best efforts to adhere to the principle statements found in the Articles of the Collective Agreement in a balanced way, recognizing that some principles may compete with others. With the exception of the Principles of Agreement found in the Tripartite Agreement on Health and Safety Committees in Article 89, the parties agree that these principle statements are not subject to the grievance/arbitration procedure on their own standing.
1.2 The following principles were developed by the Joint Society Management Committee (JSMC) to guide its conduct in negotiations and in its ongoing relationship. NSS is encouraged to use these principles at the local level.
1.2.1 Issues and interpretations will be dealt with in an open way with the earliest possible involvement of each party.
1.2.2 Each party will deal with the other in such a way that it effectively demonstrates respect for each individual's contribution and point-of-view.
1.2.3 Bilateral meetings will be conducted on the premise that such meetings are a "safe zone", with no rank within the room, and in an atmosphere where everyone is free to participate and no one dominates.
1.2.4 Common goals/needs will be identified, and both parties will work together to achieve them.
1.2.5 The primary focus of the parties will be the customer (Customer means NSS's customers, together with Society members. Customer focus also includes being sensitive to the environment - economic, political, environmental, and social).
1.2.6 Processes will be designed with the involvement of the people who have the knowledge of the problem or issue. The processes will encourage the resolution of the problem/issue at the level closest to the source.
1.2.7 An honest attempt will be made to resolve all problems/issues internally.
1.2.8 By virtue of adherence to the above principles, the JSMC will endeavour to act as an example to the whole organization to show how using those principles, can create a harmonious relationship, while at the same time making the customer the primary focus.
1.3 Partnership Principles
NSS and The Society are committed to a union-management partnership to mutually explore, discuss, and implement new ways to improve business operations, customer satisfaction, the way we work, and quality of work life.
The Partnership mission and objectives are set out in a Tripartite document (OPG-Society-PWU) entitled "Partnership - Securing Our Future" dated November 23, 1999.