President Scott Travers, Bruce Power Local Vice President Mike Gade and OPG Unit Director Ralph Chatoor joined other union leaders from the Canadian Nuclear Workers Council for a two-hour meeting with Dr. Michael Binder, President of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, and other key CNSC staff. The November 4 meeting was organized by David Shier, the National Director of the Canadian Nuclear Workers Council.  The objective of the face-to-face meeting was to bring forward concerns of the labour movement directly to the Canadian nuclear regulator.

At this meeting Dr. Binder indicated that one of the core objectives of the CNSC was to strengthen legislation and regulatory documents associated with the safe regulation of Canada’s nuclear industry. Like others in the labour movement, the perspectives of The Society have been solicited and suggestions implemented in our mutual efforts to promote safe and healthy working conditions for our members.

Travers articulated that while The Society is a passionate advocate for the vital contributions that members make towards safety in nuclear workplaces, the union also values that the individual rights of members. In this regard, Travers reiterated The Society’s concern over the proposed random drug and alcohol testing program being developed by the CNSC.

Travers also took the opportunity to emphasize the important contribution Society members make in building and sustaining the nuclear industry, which is of fundamental importance in addressing climate change and a critical component of Ontario’s Long-term Energy Plan.

Submitted by: Ralph Chatoor, Unit Director, Ontario Power Generation Local