PSAC local 70368 have voted decisively in favour of giving their bargaining team a strike mandate to underscore the importance of the issues being negotiated at the bargaining table.
PSAC 70368 members at BWXT do important scientific work and research in the field of nuclear medicine. These workers are on the cutting edge of radiopharmaceutical products used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
With over 90% of ballots cast in favour of taking strike action, the bargaining team returned to the table January 9-10 with a resounding mandate to continue pushing on issues that matter for members.
Key outstanding issues include protecting members’ rights related to hours of work, an agreement on wages and compensation, limiting the company’s use of excessive overtime, and improving the grievance process.
“We are hoping that with such a strong strike mandate, the employer realizes that we’re serious about fighting for a fair contract,” said Alex Silas, Regional Executive Vice-President for PSAC’s National Capital Region. “The level of dedication of these members is inspiring. They’re motivated, they’re ready, and they’re united.
The bargaining team is scheduled to return to the table January 18-19 and remains committed to fighting for a fair contract.
The conciliation period concluded January 10 and the legislation requires a 21-day cooling off period before initiating a strike. The earliest PSAC 70368 could declare a strike would be January 31, however, the union is committed to getting a fair deal and hopes it won’t require taking strike action.