News release

April 30, 2003

MDS Nordion heading toward a strike 

Ottawa--Workers at the MDS Nordion plant in Kanata voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action to support their contract demands, according to the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC). 

“This 82% vote in favour of the strike should send a very strong message to the employer,” said the president of PSAC Local 70376, Lisa Brouillard. “Our members are frustrated and prepared to back up their demands in order to achieve a reasonable collective agreement.”  

Brouillard added that the 230 workers at MDS Nordion have been without a collective agreement for more than a year. They are pursuing contract improvements on many issues including wage increases, leave and health and safety provisions. 

“The workers believe the employer is not really trying hard enough to reach an agreement with the union,” Brouillard said.  

The parties are now entering a conciliation process which they hope will bring positive results. Workers involved in the labour dispute at MDS Nordion manufacture nuclear medicine products. 

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For information:    
 Alain Cossette, PSAC Communications Officer
 (613) 560-4317