Bruce Power Local members of the Society of United Professionals voted an overwhelming 97 percent in favour of striking last month, a key milestone in a difficult round of collective bargaining. The 1,200-member local, which represents Bruce Power engineers, supervisors and other professional workers, has been in contract renewal negotiations with Bruce Power since November.
“A 97 percent strike vote is an overwhelming mandate for our bargaining team and I hope the company takes this as a sign that it’s time to come back to the bargaining table with a fair offer,” said Bruce Power Local Vice President Mike Gade, who is leading negotiations for the union. “As local residents, our members are deeply committed to the Bruce and Grey communities. With this strike vote, we want our friends and neighbours to know that we are willing to do what it takes to keep good jobs here today and for generations to come,” continued Gade.
Key issues at the bargaining table include ensuring good jobs for the next generation of Bruce Power employees, career development opportunities, and improving health and safety at the plant.
With the parties at an impasse, the Ministry of Labour appointed a conciliator to assist negotiations. Conciliation began on June 24 and has continued since then with mixed results. If the parties cannot come to an agreement during conciliation, a “no-board report” will be issued. Seventeen days following the issue of a no-board report the parties would be in a legal strike-lockout position.
For more information, Bruce Power Local members are asked to contact their Delegate or Communication Action Network (CAN) representative.
